The two reasons I chose LIVESTRONG

Today I had surgery on my ankle so I can continue to ride my bike and train for the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin in October. This operation will be followed by another one on my knee next week.
Before “part two” of the surgery today I sat down with my surgeon, who remembered me coming in, almost 11 years ago now.

On December 2nd 1999 I was the victim of a hit and run accident. My right leg was completely shattered from hip to ankle.

At that point no one knew how extensive the damage would prove to be. As we waited for the results of X-rays and more X-rays my surgeon saw I had a copy of “Ït’s Not About the Bike” with me (I was actually shopping for a copy when the accident happened).

We started talking about the book and the amazing performance of the man writing it, Lance Armstrong. I had always been an avid cyclist and loved to watch races. I watched this young American win his World Championship at the youngest age ever. I was shocked and saddened by the press conference in which he announced to the world he was diagnosed with cancer. Being no stranger to that (nine of my own family members have been affected by cancer) I was sure it was the last time we had seen him race. But that’s not what happened, is it?

Earlier in 1999 Lance won his first Tour de France after surviving cancer and fighting his way back to the peloton, which had been extremely difficult. I admired him for his courage and cheered him on when he won.

So on the day my world totally fell apart my surgeon and I talked about Lance, his cancer, his recovery and his amazing achievement.

Soon after the results of he X-rays came back it became very clear I would never, ever walk again. The best possible result would leave me on crutches; the worst would have me lose my leg. In the days that followed I had to come to terms with not only not being able to walk anymore but also the prospect of multiple surgeries and an even longer rehabilitation.

Coming to terms with not being able to walk, depending on crutches or a perhaps a wheelchair for the rest of my life – possibly even losing my leg --was devastating for me. I finished the high school of performing arts summa cum laude and was about to turn my hobby into a living. I was a very talented twirler, dancer, teacher and member of the jury panel of national and international twirl- and showband competitions. My life revolved around dance and in a moment my world, and everything I was hoping for, evaporated. It disappeared in front of my eyes. As my leg shattered, so did my dreams.

My doctor understood. Instead of amputating he proposed an experimental surgery that would put a frame on the shattered inside of the leg. It would take five hours of daily exercises for the rest of my life to keep my leg and I could learn to walk again on crutches. The doctor reminded me of the amazing achievement of Lance and said I should take his example to try and work my own “miracle”.

I kept “It’s Not About the Bike” by my bedside and my doctor put his picture up at my bed and in the room where I had daily rehabilitation. Lance’s story inspired me to work hard and never give up. He sure inspired me to do MY best. Since then, I’ve had many surgeries. These will continue and at this time I can walk with crutches. I still have a picture of Lance on my whiteboard and when the exercises are very painful or I just can’t walk and need to rely on a wheelchair he inspires me as he has inspired millions to do the same in their fight against cancer.

In 2008 I got the chance to “repay” Lance for his inspiration when he announced his return to pro-cycling to help spread the LIVESTRONG message globally. I jumped at the chance to become a Local LIVESTRONG Leader for two reasons: their “boss” had kept me on my feet (literally) for many years and I was passionate about the fight against cancer since it hit my family so hard. I needed an opportunity to make a difference, no matter how small. I love the message of LIVESTRONG, I totally agree with their motto: cancer doesn’t know nationalities and doesn’t stop at borders, so I joined. This is when I decided to try and do the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin, despite all odds.

Everyone told me I wouldn’t be able to physically accomplish this. Lance’s example showed me otherwise. He made an impressive comeback. So I pleaded with my doctor to let me try and with the help of a lot of people I started training. An incredible LIVESTRONG family grew to support and encourage me.

I joined forces with two great other Dutch LIVESTRONG leaders, Karen and Manfred in NL4LIVESTRONG and we are working hard to make LIVESTRONG a household name here in The Netherlands as well and in doing so fight the disease we detest so much. I have seen LIVESTRONG grow to a big movement in the last couple of years, it has become more than “just “Lance and that is a good thing. We need to fight cancer with everything we have and LIVESTRONG should not depend on one man.

But I differ from many people in one way. I don’t believe Lance used illegal, performance enhancing drugs. He isn’t a doper. I don’t think anyone who has endured cancer treatment would ever put anything harmful in his body to win a bike race. Lance Armstrong has always seemed like the kind of man that wouldn’t even enjoy a victory if he hadn’t won it by hard work and by kicking everyone’s butt on his own merit. He is a man who has helped millions of others LIVE because he gave them the hope, courage and example of HOW to fight cancer.

I think he deserves to have the millions he inspired stand behind him .At the very, very least, he deserves my most sincere thank you. Lance Armstrong gave me a leg to stand on. Literally. I owe him for the courage to take my life back .I will always support him for who he is.

THANK YOU LANCE !