Armstrong bracelets
You might have heard of Lance Armstrong, but not always with the same thought in mind. For some he is a champion cyclist who set the world record by winning the Tour de France six times. For others he is a cancer survivor who decided to meet the challenges that cancer threw on his way and came out the winner. But still he is most famous as the founder of The Lance Armstrong Foundation and the YELLOW LIVESTRONG WRISTBANDS that you see everywhere these days.
The employment of hued silicone rubber as a material for producing sports bracelets was popularized by Nike and Lance armstrong bracelets through the Yellow Livestrong wristband. Its success has led to the use of these 'awareness' bracelets as low cost props for charity projects. These sports bracelets are also known as 'baller id bands', 'wristbands' or 'baller bands'.
Armstrong's yellow rubber bracelet is more than just haute couture with the word "LIVESTRONG" stamped upon it. Armstrong bracelets are substantial parts of champion American cyclist Lance Armstrong's legacy. Diagnosed with testicular cancer on October 2, 1996, Armstrong fought with the illness and did not let it get in the way of his determination to wear the yellow jersey once again to compete in the Tour de France cycling tournament.
In collaboration with sports apparel firm Nike, he started selling his Lance Armstrong bracelets for one dollar per piece, with the proceeds going to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to fund cancer research. The band sells in packs of 10, 100, and 1200. Armstrong bracelets created the foundation in 1997, after
he successfully battled cancer. His aim is to educate people with cancer about the information they need to beat the disease and help others understand the illness. With the Livestrong wristbands on the arms of everyone from famous actors to hoi polloi, the foundation has currently raised more than 13 million dollars for cancer research. Personalities such as 2004 Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, news anchor Katie Couric, actor Matt Damon, and several athletes at the Athens Olympic Games wore the band.
These bracelets have become a cultural phenomenon. Nike has partnered with a cause to create a product that is both visible and popular. Aside from being very reasonably priced, people believe they are contributing to a commendable cause by buying and wearing the yellow bracelets. Added to this is the fact that the wristband is not difficult to be shown off as a style statement. It goes along well with any kind of dress: from jeans-and-shirt to sports outfits. School going children and college teenagers think it is stylish, and also it does not require a huge amount in their allowance to purchase it. Famous athletes have been seen wearing them at sports events. Even corporate executives have taken to wearing these Lance Armstrong bracelets.
Made from normal rubber, this bracelet is analogous to other cause-related bracelets that have emerged over the past years. Many people accumulate these bands because aside from being fashion-friendly and easy to wear, they have an important social connotation. The Livestrong Wristbands have inspired numerous other wristbands for charities and various political causes, including wristbands for breast cancer (pink), diabetes (various colors) and epilepsy (half blue, half red).
It has been said again and again that these bracelets have strayed from their original purposes. However, Armstrong's foundation appreciates the money, regardless of why they are getting it. It is quite sure that Lance Armstrong does not have any issues with them becoming a trend. He wanted to raise as much money as he could, and he has done a commendable job. They, like religious threads, are on everyone's wrist. It will be a grand initiative to support these bracelets, even if you are just wearing them to be fashionable.
And why yellow This is a question that baffles everyone. This color is significant to Lance Armstrong. Apart from imparting an outlook of warmth and sanguinity, yellow is also the color of the jersey that the leading Tour de France cyclist is given to wear. The yellow Lance Armstrong bracelets are his standard supporters in his fight against cancer, and they are the spectators to the things that have given his life new significance. Lance Armstrong wore one in winning the Tour de France for the sixth time. He also said that he would never take it off.
Since olden times, people have worn one form of accessory or another as a way of expressing some emotion, sentiment or just as a symbol of something important in their life. The Lance armstrong bracelets is a contemporary adaptation of a very old convention. Jewelry has always been a symbol of hope, courage and support. For women who like silver, gold and diamond jewelry the $1 LIVESTRONG band may not be very pleasing. Still, anyone who wears the wristband is doing so with a sense of charity and support.
Whether you are wearing the yellow bracelet keeping someone or something special in your mind or you are just wearing it as a proof of solidarity to all suffering people, by wearing it you are publicizing the cause and creating awareness of the need of the hour, which is, more cancer research funding.
So, buy your armstrong bracelets right now! Also do not forget to educate yourself and your dear ones on the history that went into the making of this thin, little and light yellow bracelet. Wear your wristband wherever you go and tell others what it is and what it means to you. Let the wristband make a difference in their life as well. Live your life strong to make a appreciable impression on those around you.
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