May 13, 2008

On Tuesday, May 13, Corpus Christi area residents, cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates will join the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) to unite people affected by cancer and raise awareness about cancer issues.

The event, organized by LIVESTRONG Army Corpus Christi leaders Rebecca Esparza and Robert Marraro, is one of 500 LIVESTRONG Day events to be held across the country and the world to engage communities with experiences that increase awareness and show support for cancer survivors and their loved ones.  

Locally, activities include a Proclamation by Mayor Henry Garrett, declaring LIVESTRONG Day in Corpus Christi ,

Later, at Brewster Street Ice House, a celebration honoring cancer survivors will begin at 6 p.m. featuring live music, food, door prizes and silent auction items, including a signed item by Lance Armstrong. All proceeds will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

“Participating in LIVESTRONG Day is important to me because of my own personal battle against ovarian and thyroid cancers,” said Esparza. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to support cancer survivors and encourage people throughout South Texas to unite together to end needless death and suffering from cancer.”
LIVESTRONG DAY CELEBRATION IN CORPUS CHRISTI—Page 2

Last year, approximately 200 LAF delegates advocated in Washington, D.C., to demand that our nation’s leaders invest in resources, treatment and services for people affected by cancer and to emphasize the importance of making cancer a national priority. This year, the foundation has decided to shift the focus from legislators and lobbyists to the American people in their local communities. “We believe that by uniting people in the fight against cancer, we will remind our decision-makers that their constituents care about cancer and demand change,” said Robert Marraro, LIVESTRONG Army Corpus Christi Leader.

Local sponsors of LIVESTRONG Day events include: Big Box Pro Audio Video, Clear Channel Communications, Brewster Street Ice House, The Grill at Brewster Street, The Business Journal of Corpus Christi, the American Cancer Society and the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF has raised more than $250 million for the fight against cancer. Join 60 million LIVESTRONG wristband wearers and help make cancer a national priority.