Little yellow plastic bracelets

Lance Armstrong is a god. \nThere's no getting around it. \nWhat he has accomplished in the cycling world alone ranks him atop the list of greatest cyclists ever, and among the greatest athletes ever. But what he has done off the bike makes him even more remarkable. \nHe's a cancer survivor. \nFor all of you who didn't know, Lance rides his bike with one testicle. In 1996, as an up-and-coming cyclist with a hot temper, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After accomplishing what he has, going through so much makes him even more remarkable. \nLance even has a few IU connections. He was treated at the IU Hospital and the IU Cancer Center in Indianapolis, to which he has returned numerous times to thank his doctors. Lance also attended the Little 500 in 1997.\nNow that I just gave you a brief education on Lance Armstrong, you can now appreciate why you are wearing those bright yellow "LIVESTRONG" bracelets. \nI have come in contact with -- on more than one occasion, I might add -- people who had no idea what the bracelets mean. They were just wearing it because it "looked cool" or because "everyone has them."\nCome on, folks. \nI have one. I'm wearing it right now. I bought it before the Tour de France (which Lance won for a record sixth time -- consecutively). I bought it before the influx of media coverage. I bought it because I appreciated what it stood for. No, I'm not a cancer survivor, nor have I ever had cancer. But I felt it was my duty to help out such a noble cause -- fighting cancer. It was only $1, and all proceeds go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which provides funding for the research of cancer, as well as support to those battling cancer and it's after effects. I knew where my money was going when I bought it, and that's why I did it. \nI did it for a real reason, not for the fashion statement. \nSome might think Nike, the maker of the bracelet, is using Lance and his cancer as a marketing tool. Well, you're right. But they're doing it for all the right reasons. So far, Nike has sold more than 8 million bracelets since they debuted in May. So do the math. One dollar sold 8 million times equals one unbelievable donation to Lance's foundation. \nI understand trends come and go, but at least be a little knowledgeable about what you're wearing. \nI think it's phenomenal that so many people have taken to the little yellow rubber bands (what they essentially are). But it's getting overboard. Like any trend, it eventually gets over done and then done with. \nNike is on backorder for them, and lately they have been selling in groups of 10 on the internet. \nBut what's the most despicable act of greed is that the bracelets are now on eBay for as much as $15 each. That's $14 more than what was paid for them. Greed is everywhere nowadays, but come on: The money was going to a good cause. Why take advantage of something that will help people just for your financial benefit? Send the money you made from your eBay deal to Lance's foundation. I'm sure they won't be upset if you give them a 1,400 percent payback. \nJust follow the 10 letters on your wrist and take the high road.\nLive strong.