LIVESTRONG bands a trend with meaning

Editor’s Note: Student Union is written by students at Brewer High School, Hermon High School, John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor, Schenck High School in East Millinocket, Searsport District High School and Stearns High School in Millinocket. The weekly column is a joint effort among the schools, the Bangor Daily News and Acadia Hospital. This week’s column was written by Hermon High School students. Their adviser is Vincent Marzilli.

“Before cancer I just lived. Now I live strong.” These are the famous words of Lance Armstrong, the five-time winner of the Tour de France.

He believes that knowledge is power, and attitude is everything. Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and survived with great determination to overcome one of life’s highest hurdles.

He inspired others to do the same by creating the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This foundation created yellow wristbands with the word LIVESTRONG etched on them and has sold more than 20 million of the bands worldwide, with proceeds benefiting cancer research.

The bands not only provide money for research, they also give encouragement to cancer victims to live strong and know that many people are lending them a hand.

So where do you get these bracelets?

“I took it from my best friend’s floor; it was an extra! I got it to support the cause, finding a cure,” said Hermon High School senior Jason Tarr. You can find them in the mall at various stores as well as in outlying department stores. The Internet is also a great way to order a bracelet: Lance Armstrong Foundation is online at www.laf.org.

A survey was taken of students at Hermon High School regarding their knowledge of the bracelets. When asked why people wear them, many responded that it was just a trend, while others considered it a trend with a cause.

“This is a worthwhile fad that helps to unite people for a common purpose, to support the cure for cancer,” said senior Sarah Gebert.

The bracelets also stand for courage and tenacity, and the will to hold on.

“These bracelets stand for something more than just charity. They stand for the people who are willing to fight an almost impossible disease to survive,” said freshman Ryan Potter. “Whether it’s a fad or a fund-raiser, the money is going to a good cause. So why not have a trend that goes to a good cause?”

Of the 404 completed surveys, 117 students said they own a LIVESTRONG bracelet. This represents 30 percent of the school population. Two hundred eighty-six students know what the bracelets represent. The bracelets are worn not only by students at Hermon High, but also by celebrities such as Mel Gibson and Sheryl Crow.

“I work at McDonald’s in Bangor and I constantly see people come through wearing the LIVESTRONG bracelets. It’s a huge trend, not just at Hermon High,” said junior Allison Small.

It seems that no matter where one goes, a LIVESTRONG bracelet will be present. Over half the school has had someone close to them pass away or who has been diagnosed with cancer.

The bracelets are not the only way to support the cause. “I feel very strong about raising money for cancer treatment and a cure. I do the ‘Relay for Life’ in the spring and would like to start a team when the time comes,” said freshman Bradley Miller.

By going online and searching for cancer research projects, a person can find many ways to help out.

What about other bracelets? The Lance Armstrong Foundation also offers breast cancer awareness bracelets. Some of the students have been sporting Nike bracelets displaying different encouraging words including “Protect this house,” “Support our troops,” “Rock the arts” and others promoting HIV awareness. Bracelets with a cause can now be considered a new trend for all ages.