May 7, 2006 - Day 5 - Week 5 - Lance’s Leadership

Today, information is acquired from a variety of sources.  I have always been partial to magazines, though I subscribe to few; I browse many and read some.  Why?  Different than books which take months or years to write or compile, magazines are an insight into what is happening in the now.  The covers are designed to sell the magazines and within the last 10 years celebrities have been used to promote a variety of periodicals.

The Kreitler patriotic magazine collection spans 1845 – 2006 and consists of approximately 2,300 magazines featuring the American Flag on the cover.  For the past 15 years I have been sensitive to this long standing form of communication, the weekly magazine, and this week is no exception.

The May 8, 2006 issue of Sports Illustrated features Lance Armstrong on the cover with three young cancer patients: Sean Mack, Brooke Schleuter and Stephen Sartin – all three are survivors. The headline is as follows:  LANCE NOW – Attacking His New Career Like He Did the Tour de France And Closing Ground on Cancer, He’s Becoming A Political Force Unlike Any Other Athlete in History.

The debate has always raged over the roll of celebrities in society, or rather, should they leverage their status in the political arena, social or racial theater, or for just plain influencing decisions?  Some noted personalities have been condemned for war or anti-war rhetoric; remember Hanoi Jane, Iraq Sean, or the Dixie Chicks?  My observation is that people react from their own agendas and are vocal when a celebrity crosses some personal line.

Today, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and now joined by George Clooney, are drawing attention to the plight of children or refugees in Africa.   Bono was on the cover of Time Magazine as “Person of the Year” for his altruism and sensitivity.  Each in their own way is taking a risk on behalf of others, and now…..Lance.

The entire article in Sports Illustrated paints this athlete extra-ordinary as a man of dedication and discipline unparalled in sport.  When someone has cancer, this kind of behavior becomes mandatory for success, yet Lance is now taking the next steps.  “Mr. President,” while accompanying Mr. Bush on a bike ride, asked directly, “we need 1 billion dollars for cancer research, now.”  Yes, it will probably take an army of celebrities lobbying decision makers to turn the tide, so the question is, who will be next?  Who will stand with those who have the public eye and lead?

The challenge to cure cancer is daunting.

For example:  While Lance was chatting with the Big Boss, little bosses in the administration were proposing a reduction in the National Cancer Institutes budget by $40 million.  This represents the first such reduction in 36 years.  What is the budget you might ask:  According to the article, it is only the cost of a few days of war in Iraq or $4.75 billion dollars for fiscal year 2007.

Lance Armstrong wants to find the cure for cancer because he, like many others, believes cancer is a preventable disease.  Obviously, surrounding himself with children for his portrait on the cover of SI speaks volumes.  He connects to the movers and shakers but the “peddling” of his influence is for the greater good. He, most especially, wants to help the next generation avoid what he had to endure. WE need more celebrities that do this.

The next step is for him to use his drive, money, and influence to make the connection between the environment and cancer, when related.  There we will find many of the root causes.  Maybe tomorrow!

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