LiveStrong Global Cancer Summit

Final day. Started the day discussing cancer stigma as we finished breakfast. I don't think we see the extremes of what we were discussing as much in the United States as some countries. There are places where people don't or can't talk about having cancer because they would be totally shunned by their community or even their own spouse. Hard to wrap my head around that when I think about how many calls I received from friends and family when I was diagnosed. I had more help and support offered than I could use.

We made it a point to move around and sit with some different people throughout the Summit and we met two women this morning as a result. One from Canada, whose husband is fighting colon cancer and another from Romania, who has a young friend recently diagnosed. The next session after stigma was on how to tell your story. I think we've gotten better at this through the years, but I'm not one for over talking anyway. We can usually tell who was recently diagnosed by the length of their story. Don't get me wrong, I think it is critically important to listen to people so they can share their story. It's like therapy for them. Some people will get a bit long winded and would actually have a great impact on others if they would be a bit more concise.

Lance and Doug wrapping up the first LiveStrong Global Summit

The Summit wrapped up with Doug & Lance thanking the delegates, participants and most of all, the incredible LAF staff that put on the event. Dublin was an incredible host and totally opened their arms to the Summit. I have to say that I didn't possible do justice to how incredible this Summit was and how much we'll take back with us. Thanks to everyone that made it possible!

Tibute Wall. Card we wrote for my dad, friends and our dog that we lost to cancer

Standing in front of the RDS. Chalk dedications on the parking lot

Just a few of the flags from the countries present

Some called him 'Naked Man', but Patrick is a good friend now!

Joe Schnieder, RAGBRAI teammate Great guy!

Nick asked Lance to sign his testicle. He just forgot that he wasn't wearing it at the time and Lance just stood there until Nick explained.... and yes he signed it.