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Rudy Hernandez, a Bakersfield resident, testicular cancer survivor and advocate will join the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) to unite people affected by cancer and raise awareness about cancer issues at the inaugural LIVESTRONG Day event slated for Tuesday, May 13, at California State University, Bakersfield’s Student Union patio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Bakersfield event, organized by Hernandez and his wife Jaclyn, is one of 600 events to be held across the country to engage communities with experiences that increase awareness and show support for cancer survivors and their loved ones. It is the only LIVESTRONG Day event taking place in Bakersfield.

The day is targeted to raise awareness in college students about early cancer detection. Students, alumni and faculty members will be speaking out about their personal experiences with cancer. The Student Health Center will participate and let students know of the resources available to them on campus. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente’s Health Education office will provide a registered dietician and nurse to help educate students about healthy living.

The event also includes live music, giveaways, educational resources and free food for students with ID. The event is free and open to the public.

“Participating in LIVESTRONG Day is important to me because it’s a time to unite cancer patients, survivors and caregivers in the war against cancer,” Hernandez said. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to support cancer survivors and encourage people in Bakersfield and California at large to unite together to end the needless death and suffering from the disease that has the 41st highest overall cancer incident rate among the 50 states.”
 
In year’s past, approximately 200 LAF delegates have advocated in Washington, D.C., to demand that the nation’s leaders invest in resources, treatment and services for people affected by cancer and to emphasize the importance of making cancer a national priority.

This year the foundation has decided to shift the focus from legislators and lobbyists to the American people in their local communities. The LAF believes that by uniting people in the fight against cancer it will remind decision-makers that their constituents care about cancer and demand change.

The local event is sponsored by CSUB’s ASI and Student Health Center, Essentials at the
Marketplace, EuroTan, In-Shape Sport Laurelglen, Subway in the Town & Country
Shopping Center and Wal-Mart on White Lane.

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation

The LAF unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF has raised more than $250 million for the fight against cancer. Join 60 million LIVESTRONG wristband wearers and help make cancer a national priority. Unite and fight cancer at LIVESTRONG.org.