1. Lance Armstrong
On October 2, 1996, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer. The rest is history. He was treated and returned to the upper echelons of cycling, winning the Tour of France a record seven consecutive times. His story became an inspiration for many people faced with cancer. The yellow wristbands became synonymous with hope. Following his doping confession, he may have fallen from grace to varying degrees, but continues to be a figure of hope for many with cancer.
Cyclist Lance Armstrong triumphed over cancer, which had spread to his lungs and brain after starting in his testicles. He said having cancer actually made his life better. “Though I wouldn’t wish it for anyone, I believe I appreciate my life in a completely new and better way because I faced cancer and was lucky enough to survive” he said in an interview. “Having said that, I also believe that cancer still affects far too many people, and we must continue to work to change that fact.”