Lance Armstrong to resume cancer activism?

Love him or hate him, Lance Armstrong did a lot for the cancer community, and the former professional athlete has announced he once again wants to start raising funds and awareness for the cause.

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During his 15 years as head of the cancer foundation, Livestrong, Lance was able to raise more than $500 million for cancer research. Now, in an interview with Esquire, he states that, while his desire to ride his bike has greatly diminished, his drive for helping those with cancer has remained steadfast.

Lance himself was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 at the age of 25.

Not only did he survive the cancer and the treatments, he did so after finding out the testicular cancer had spread to his brain, lungs and abdomen. In the years that followed his survival story, Lance became an advocate for cancer patients across the country, raising money for research but also lobbying Capitol Hill, testifying before Congress, serving two terms on the President’s Cancer Panel, and advocating for smoke-free measures across the U.S. while addressing the United Nations.

Unfortunately, Lance Armstrong’s reputation as well as his cancer foundation’s name became tarnished when the athlete was accused of blood doping during his professional cycling career. Though he repeated denied the accusations, it eventually came out that he did, in fact, participate in the illegal performance enhancing activity. The revelation resulted in his stepping down from an active role within Livestrong.

Since then the organization has continued to provide cancer support for patients and families, and though Lance Armstrong is no longer CEO, he remains the largest contributor of funds, according to the foundation’s website.

It is unknown at this time just how Lance will re-enter the cancer activist community. Though he can donate through Livestrong, the company remains detached from his name because of the poor publicity. Should Armstrong really wish to start advocating for cancer patients once again, it is likely he will have to do so from a personal standpoint.

In fact, Armstrong has been doing what he can on his own since the scandal cost him his reputation.

“Hi, Melody. I’m Lance Armstrong. I just wanted to send you a short video message to let you know that I’m thinking about you and I’m pulling for you,” he sent to a cancer patient in the months after his negative publicity. “I understand you’ve had some up-and-down news when it comes to your health. Just hang in there and know there are brighter days ahead. If there’s anything I can ever do to help you, please let me know. In the meantime, keep kicking cancer’s ass. Best of luck.”

SEE ALSO: Blood doping: Lance Armstrong’s fall from grace explained

And the response he gets is mostly positive. Regardless of his blood doping and dishonesty, Lance Armstrong is still a cancer survivor who overcame overwhelming odds to be where he is today. His message of hope is well-received by patients and families who remember him for his cancer charity, not for his professional cycling debacle.

Where will we see Lance Armstrong next? No one is certain, but according to him, it will be somewhere helping cancer patients around the world.