Kiesendahl receives 'Livestrong' award

Bob Kiesendahl, Hawley, one of six notable persons from across the country, was recently awarded the lance Armstrong's foundation "LIVESTRONG" Survivor of the Year award in a ceremony in Philadelphia. Bob is an eight-year leukemia cancer survivor who was treated at the Penn State Cancer Institute.

The

* Taking innovative measures to increase public awareness of cancer and cancer survivors.

* Demonstrating a resilient attitude towards his/her illness and inspiring others to live life to the fullest.

* Demonstrating a remarkable commitment and contributing significant resources - whether in the form of time, talent or financial support - to further the cause of cancer survivorship.

More than 2,700 cyclists, runners and walkers, along with 500 volunteers, from 34 states and seven countries took part in the Lance Armstrong Foundations' LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia presented by Nike.

Participants took part in the event by riding 10, 40, 70 or 100 miles, or by running or walking a 5K or 10K.

Bob and his mother Joan Kiesendahl participated in die race and have been active in fund-raising through the BK Invitational, a golf tournament at Woodloch Springs and the BK 5K. The Kiesendahls' combined efforts have raised over $200,000 throughout the years. This year's BK Invitational benefited leukemia research at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center and a new survivorship program with the Lance Armstrong Foundations at The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. The foundation helps people with cancer focus on living; it believes that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis, the LAF provides the practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and. research. Found in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. For more infor mation, visit livestrong.org.