While walking through campus, one can’t help but notice those
brightly colored bracelets dangling from the wrists of many CMU
students everyday.

While walking through campus, one can’t help but notice those
brightly colored bracelets dangling from the wrists of many CMU
students everyday.

Whether it’s supporting their favorite charity, showing school pride
or just a word of inspiration or encouragement, those expressive
bracelets have become a must-have fashion trend for many.

The trend began in July 2004 when cancer survivor and professional
cyclist Lance Armstrong came up with an inexpensive yellow wristband to
raise money for his charity, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Little did he know by selling these wristbands to help raise money
for cancer research he would be starting a new trend—accessorizing for
charity.

More than a year after beginning his Wear Yellow campaign, the
Armstrong foundation has sold more than 50 million “Livestrong”
wristbands, as of May 2005.

As one of the more popular wristbands seen around campus, the
‘Livestrong’ bracelet helps students stay trendy while helping out a
good cause. Selling for $1 each – with 77 cents of every $1 going to
cancer research and support programs – it is a cheap and easy way for
college students to make a difference.

“Most everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or other,”
said Suzanne Vesters, a freshman from Europe. “It’s a way for people to
support the cause.”

Wearing the yellow bracelet is important, Vesters said, because many
of her family and friends have had cancer.

Inspired by the Armstrong cause, numerous charities, organizations
and companies have jumped on the bandwagon to sell their own versions
of the rubber wristbands. Name a cause or company and there is probably
a bracelet representing it. And if not, one can be created and ordered
from any number of Web sites specializing in the production of the
bracelets.

“I wear my Armstrong wristband to show support for cancer research,”
said Mallory Decker, Macomb sophomore. “I want to support the
organization because my aunt has breast cancer.”

Wristbands can be found for sale in department stores like Wal-Mart,
Target or Meijer; online at any number of Web sites; or even at the CMU
Bookstore.

Climax freshman Cody Furney wears four different bracelets.

“I have a yellow ‘Livestrong’ one my mom gave me, a pink breast
cancer one, a maroon ‘Central’ one and an orange one I got during
Leadership Safari that says ‘Inspire By Example,’” Furney said.

On a trip to New York City, Davison senior John Robinson visited the
Statue of Liberty and purchased his light blue ‘Liberty’ bracelet.

“I decided to buy this bracelet because I hadn’t really seen a
bracelet this color before and I liked the saying on it,” Robinson
said. “You have a lot of free liberties in the United States; this
bracelet reminds me of that.”

Elisha Dunn, Commerce Township freshman, wears a black and white ‘No
Zebras’ bracelet she got at the end of the ‘No Zebras’ presentation
presented by the Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates organization on
campus.

“I wear this bracelet because I felt a connection with what they
where saying in their presentation,” Dunn said. “Too many people ignore
what happens when it comes to rape and laugh about it. I want to show
my support by helping spread the word.”

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