Yellow Fever Sweeps Nation
By Carly Blustein, 11th grade
March 14, 2005

The term “yellow fever” has been given to the fad currently sweeping the nation. With over 33 million already sold, Live Strong bracelets are becoming so common that it’s difficult to walk into a room without seeing someone wearing a yellow band.

Live Strong bracelets have been wrapped around wrists since May 2003 when Lance Armstrong was pursuing his unprecedented sixth consecutive Tour de France victory. The bright yellow represents the color of Armstrong’s jersey in the Tour de France as part of the United States Postal team.

Not only is Armstrong the greatest bike racer ever to live, but he also has an incredible history of conquering cancer. When he was only 25, he was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. It rapidly spread and produced a dozen golf ball-sized tumors in his lungs and lesions on his brain. One year later, Armstrong had overcome all odds and beat his cancer. He is an inspiration to anyone who believes in hard work, determination and positive thinking.

The $1 rubber band-like bracelets were designed to raise $5 million in support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation that helps the fight against cancer. Shortly after their debut, Live Strong bracelets became very popular -- dare I say trendy -- with recreational athletes, students, and celebrities.

Spawned by yellow fever, more bracelets have been introduced to the public that benefit other organizations. For example, The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers a patriotic USA Wristband to honor our fallen warriors. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation offers a Pink Live Strong bracelet to help find a cure for breast cancer. Those are just a few of the dozens of wristbands being offered. It is not particularly clear, however, if people are buying these new colored bands to support the organizations or simply to have a corresponding color with each outfit. Either way, the organizations are greatly benefiting from the profits raised.

The growing popularity of Live Strong bracelets has had other effects on the nation as well. In December 2004, a hospital chain, BayCare Health Systems, began to tape over patients’ Live Strong wristbands because they were the same color as the “do not resuscitate” bands worn by patients who do not want to be saved if their hearts stop. Hospitals use colored bands to quickly tell doctors, nurses, and other staff members special instructions for patients. In a case of cardiac arrest, the Live Strong bracelets could possibly be fatally deceiving.

For more information about the Lance Armstrong Foundation or the Live Strong bracelets, please visit www.laf.org.

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