LIVESTRONG INSTALLATION @ QUBIC.

1,274 = The number of days Lance Armstrong was retired from competitive cycling.
27,500,000 = The number of people who died from cancer during that time.
28,000,000 = The number of cancer survivors alive today.
8,000,000 = Number of people who will die from cancer in 2009.

A short while ago we were given the amazing opportunity by Nike Sportswear to represent their LIVESTRONG collection exclusively in our region, alongside fellow retailer Provider Trainers in Melbourne, Australia. We were part of a handful of hand selected retailers across the globe that is representing this fantastic collection and cause, so we’re extremely honoured to be able to do this.

In case you hadn’t heard of it, the LIVESTRONG Lance Armstrong Foundation is an amazing charitable organization that inspires and empowers the millions of people around the world everyday affected by cancer, providing practical information and tools for people with cancer to live life on their own terms.

Last year my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer and read all you may about it, it is hard to comprehend the effect this disease, both physically and psychologically can have on an individual until you go through it yourself. The brave, strong headed woman I had known all my life who had overcome so many obstacles almost came to a wall she could not climb and the change in her demeanor and personality was so fast and so dramatic it was heartbreaking. However, after support from the family and immediate treatment and surgery she is now recovering with no signs of malignancy or spread of the tumour. Love you mum!

Over the last week, we designed a special installation inside our Qubic location’s gallery space to showcase the Nike Sportswear LIVESTRONG collection and the message of the foundation. The walls feature a three dimensional deconstructed bike and tool set painted in the signature yellow of the LIVESTRONG foundation, the Artist series footwear in custom made enclosed platforms, and the back wall features the profile map of Stage 20 (Montelimar - Mont Ventoux), the penultimate mountain climb and one of the most grueling stages of the 2009 Tour De France, as a testament to one’s fight against cancer.

100% of the proceeds from the sales of the Nike Sportswear LIVESTRONG collection will be donated to LIVESTRONG, to to aid their goal and mission of representing, inspiring and helping people affected with cancer all over the world.

The Nike Sportswear LIVESTRONG collection has been released item by item as the 2009 Tour De France progresses, so if you would like to be updated on release dates, please keep an eye on our website as details arise.

However, if you do not get the opportunity to purchase any of the Nike Sportswear LIVESTRONG collection items, and would still like to donate to the foundation, a donation box will be set up in the installation area in store.

If you are in the Auckland area, we would love for you to pop in and see the installation, which will be up in our gallery area from now until Sunday 26th July, the finale of the 2009 Tour De France.

Thank you again to everybody at Nike that made this happen for us. We’re humbled to be supporting such an amazing cause, and one so personal to myself. Thank you also to everybody who have been so kind to come in and support the cause and the LIVESTRONG foundation by lining up and purchasing the collection so far.

However, most of all, thank you to this man. Thank you for inspiring and providing hope to millions worldwide. Good luck with Le Tour Lance, we’re cheering you on.

July 10, 2009