History

History: Wristband

The Live Strong Yellow Band

The Live Strong Yellow Band is a yellow wristband developed by cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong in summer 2004. The band was part of the Wear Yellow Live Strong educational program, intended to support cancer victims and survivors and raise awareness about cancer.

The band sold in packs of 10, 100, and 1200 as part of an effort to raise $5,000,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation (http://www.laf.org) in cooperation with Nike. Yellow was chosen for its importance in professional cycling, especially as the color of the yellow jersey of the Tour de France. Other bracelets for similar purposes, known as awareness bracelets, have become increasingly popular.

The band became an extremely popular item by the end of the summer, first appearing on a majority of the contenders at the 2004 Tour de France. Personalities such as 2004 Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, news anchor Katie Couric, actor Matt Damon, and several athletes at the Athens Olympic Games wore the band. Such visibilty may be part of the reason that the bands have attained fashionable status. A rush to purchase the bands resulted in profiteering through such venues as eBay, allegedly angering Armstrong.

The bracelets are yellow and made of silicone rubber, with the motto “Live Strong” (rendered on the bracelet as “LIVESTRONG”) on them. As of January 2005, over 32 million wristbands had been purchased.

What are wristbands about?

Rubber wristbands are about making a statement rather than wearing an accessory.

Like wearing a poppy in November, the bands are about sending a message that you support a various charity or cause.

The bands come in a range of different designs and colours with different messages.