Livestrong Will Survive Armstrong Doping Scandal: VP

Andy Miller said the organization is focused on its mission despite the scandal surrounding Lance Armstrong

The vice president of the cancer charity founded by Lance Armstrong says the organization will persevere in the wake of the cyclist's admission that he used performance-enhancing drugs.

The Livestrong Foundation's executive vice-president Andy Miller delivered what the organization described as a "major 'State of the Foundation' speech" Thursday in Chicago.

"Will the Livestrong Foundation survive? Yes. Absolutely, yes. Hell, yes. Our work is too meaningful, our role too unique, the need too great to stand for any other answer," Miller said.

Miller said the organization has remained steadfast in its shared mission despite "the noise and distractions.

"We were deeply disappointed to learn that we had been mislead," Miller said. "We listened to Lance, and forgave him so we could move forward."

Armstrong left the charity recently, saying he didn't want his association to damage the foundation's ability to raise money and continue its advocacy programs for cancer victims.

Originally called the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the cyclist created the charity a year after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Company CEO Doug Ulman was originally scheduled to deliver Thursday's speech, but experienced travel delays.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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