Call for Nominations

LIVESTRONG KU is now accepting nominations for officers for the 2008-2009 school year. Nominate yourself or a friend for one (or more) of the following positions:

- President
- Vice President for Programs
- Vice President for Communications

Since LIVESTRONG KU is a new campus organization, officer roles and responsibilities will evolve throughout the year to fit the needs of the organization. Officers for the 2009-2010 school year, and each year following, will be elected near the end of the spring semester.

Nomination Procedures: Using the "Comments" link below, submit a comment that includes the nominee's name, the office (or offices) applicable to your nomination, as well as a brief statement (fewer than 200 words) describing why the nominee should become a leader in the fight against cancer. This may include a personal cancer story or describe the nominee's past leadership experience. It may introduce ideas for giving LIVESTRONG KU a powerful voice on campus, or none of the above. It can be as simple as "I live strong for my mom." Officer elections will take place by e-mail on September 11. Questions? Contact David Johnston, Advisor, at 864-4764.

2008 LIVESTRONG Summit

Earlier this year, I was chosen by the Lance Armstrong Foundation to be a delegate to the 2008 LIVESTRONG Summit, which is being held this weekend at the Ohio State University in Columbus. I'm excited to meet other cancer activists from around the country, particularly those from other research universities. Although we'll hear from some famous folks and leading cancer experts, including former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, Senator John McCain and, of course, Lance Armstrong, I think I'm most excited about the workshops.

Sessions will focus on topics like grassroots advocacy, building a volunteer army, organizing community events, engaging voters and holding leaders accountable. I know I'll learn a lot, and I'll be eager to get back to campus to enlist KU students, faculty, staff and members of the Lawrence community in this fight against cancer. There's a lot we can do. Watch this space for more. In the meantime, enjoy this video about the 2008 LIVESTRONG Summit.

KU Fights Cancer

The University of Kansas is emerging as a leader in the fight against cancer. Last month, KU announced the opening of a Phase I clinical trial for a new ovarian cancer drug, Nanotax, developed by researchers at the KU Cancer Center. The new drug is a reformulation of the common chemotherapy drug, Paclitaxel, which is administered intravenously. Unpleasant side effects have been attributed to the solvent mixed with the drug for delivery.

The development of Nanotax by KU researchers was significant for two reasons. By breaking Paclitaxel to nanopartical form, they were able to mix it with water, allowing the drug to be administered to a patient's abdomen.

"By removing the source of the negative side effects, we believe Nanotax will be a less toxic treatment," said Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center.

Nanotax is also significant because it is KU's first "bench to bedside" drug, which means it was discovered, tested and brought to clinical trial by KU scientists at the KU Cancer Center. This fact significantly enhances KU's quest to obtain NCI designation for the KU Cancer Center. Kansas City remains the largest metropolitan area in the U.S. not served by an NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the university has made attaining the designation it's top priority.

KU has had a lot of big wins this past year, but this news was truly worth celebrating.

Thank You!

LIVESTRONG Day 2008 was a huge success, thanks to you. KU hosted a campus walk for faculty, staff, students and Lawrence community members. Oread Books held a sale in honor of LIVESTRONG Day, and several sororities purchased LIVESTRONG wristbands for members to wear, in addition to all of the folks who chose to wear yellow on May 13th. KU came out in force to support the fight against cancer, and we'll be doing even more in the months ahead. For now, enjoy this look back at the Lance Armstrong Foundation's LIVESTRONG Day 2008.

LIVESTRONG Day Campus Walk

On LIVESTRONG Day, Tuesday, May 13th, 2008, LIVESTRONG KU will host a FREE Campus Walk, inviting the KU community to unite in the fight against cancer. The Campus Walk will begin at noon in front of the Kansas Union.

The walk will proceed along Jayhawk Boulevard to the Chi-O fountain, cross the street, and return along the boulevard to Danforth Chapel. Walkers will cross the street again and return to the Kansas Union. Wristbands will be available in exchange for donations to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. All participants are encouraged to WEAR YELLOW.

Cancer costs Kansas more than 1 billion a year in health care costs, and Kansas City remains the largest metro area in the U.S. not served by an NCI-designated cancer center. Such a designation for the KU Cancer Center would have a significant public health impact. The University of Kansas is positioned to become one of the more active college campuses and a national leader in the fight against cancer. LIVESTRONG KU was established to support the efforts of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and to unite the KU community in the fight against cancer.

Please join us by coming out and showing your support on LIVESTRONG Day 2008.

Manifesto

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) Manifesto works like a mission statement for the foundation. Take a moment to watch this inspiring video.