Rubber Cancer Bracelets – The Humble Tool That Raised Millions

Cancer is the second largest cause of death in America. Thousands die every year from the disease, yet no really effective cure has been found for it. Rubber cancer bracelets have contributed heavily to the cause of cancer research; millions from their sale have poured into the research labs where scientists are grappling with the disease.

It was the Lance Armstrong foundation that came up with the novel idea of selling rubber bracelets to support cancer research. These bracelets are called LiveStrong bracelets and are yellow in color. This foundation has now sold more than 52 million rubber cancer bracelets. Lance Armstrong, the inspiration behind this drive, is a cancer survivor and also a seven-time Tour de France champion. He wanted these bracelets to be a beacon of hope for the millions who were suffering from cancer.

Rubber cancer bracelets in pink color are worn in support of breast cancer patients. They are also widely popular today and often carry a variety of inspirational messages such as ‘I will’ or ‘Love Hope Faith.’ Whether you are a cancer survivor or just want to support the cause of cancer research, you can wear one of these bracelets.

The rubber bracelets are usually made of synthetic rubber or silicon gel. They are also popular gift items and keepsakes. You can also personalize your rubber cancer bracelets by adding embellishments to them. There are also variations to these cancer bracelets that come in different materials and are accessorized using pearls or other semiprecious stones. Most often, the full proceeds from the sale of these bracelets go to the cancer foundations.

The rubber cancer bracelets not only provide financial support for cancer research, but are also a means for providing the mental support that the cancer victim needs. In many cases, close friends and family of the cancer patient sport these bracelets as a means for showing their moral and mental support. Many online discussion boards that provide those suffering from cancer a platform to share their experiences and to meet others in similar situations are supported by the sale of these rubber cancer bracelets. The rubber cancer bracelets drive for cancer research support has now spread worldwide.

Though the yellow live strong bracelets and the pink cancer bracelets are the most popular, rubber cancer bracelets in different colors supporting different causes are also available. However, it is difficult to color code these bracelets as various foundations promote different colors for the same cause.

Rubber Bracelets

There has been a surge in the popularity of rubber bracelets in recent years.

The most popular of these would surely be the ‘Livestrong’ wristband that is for the support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation for people battling with cancer. The money from the sale of these rubber wristbands supports the funding of the foundation.

Many different charities and foundations now use rubber bracelets to support their cause and sell them for varying prices in an effort to raise money. As these rubber bracelets are highly visual they also help to raise awareness and help for others.

Another popular rubber bracelet is the ‘Support our Troops’ wristband that you will see on many people, particularly those who have family members in active duty in the military overseas.

Rubber bracelets allow the opportunity for many different types of customization possibilities aside from the many and varied colors that they are produced in.

They can be worn as a fashion accessory, as a sign of support for a charity, and even as a medical aid where they can store important medical information for the wearer should they ever need medical assistance.

The fact that there are so many different uses for rubber bracelets has been the reason why they are more popular now than ever.

Many rubber bracelets are embossed with different messages and words that people like to share with others.

There is also an increase in the number of hobbyists who are crafting their own custom rubber bracelets and there are several books on the market that deal with this hobby in depth.

If you have a charity, then a rubber bracelet might be the solution you have been looking for to attract funds and bring to other people’s awareness the message that you are trying to convey.

As a cost effective method of spreading the word there aren’t many methods that can be quite as effective for a small groups.

Custom Rubber Bracelets -- Fundraisers To ID Bands

Initially used for spreading awareness about cancer, custom rubber bracelets are now the darling of every non-profit organization – both for awareness generation and as a great fundraising tool. The Red Cross has its own red custom rubber bracelets for supporting Tsunami victims, while the relatives of American servicemen wear green custom rubber bracelets bearing the message ‘Support our troops.’ Besides, each cancer charity has its own custom color bracelets!

Custom rubber bracelets also serve as a fashion statement. That’s one of the main reasons for their popularity. Ace cyclist Lance Armstrong had returned to win the Tour de France title for a record seventh time after his successful fight with cancer wearing one of these rubber bracelets. Since Lance Armstrong cycled to victory wearing his famous yellow LiveStrong rubber band, the Lance Armstrong Foundation has sold 52 million rubber bracelets and contributed millions to cancer research. Snapping at the heels of the LiveStrong cancer rubber bracelets in popularity, we have the pink breast cancer awareness bracelets.

There are rubber bracelets worn by Hurricane Katrina rescue workers and custom rubber bracelets with the tsunami theme as well. You also have NBA, MLB, and NASCAR custom rubber bracelets, rubber bracelets with team symbols, or ones with any specific designs you like.

Now you can even design your own custom bracelets: when you shop online you can have silicon custom-embossed extra wide bracelets, twice as thick as the standard silicone bracelets; you can select the colors, the design, and the text you want to print. There are colors and designs that glow in the dark. Obviously, the more you want to customize your bracelet, the more expensive it becomes. Silicone, leather and metal custom bracelets are more expensive then the rubber ones. The former, though, are really great fundraisers.

There are also screen-printed silicone bracelets. These cheaper than the embossed versions. Contact the custom rubber bracelet agencies and they will provide you with the different color and design options they have for their bracelets. Once you select your color, design, and even the material (whether silicone, metal, or rubber), the agency will send you a full color proof. You can make further additions or any other changes to the proof. Once you are satisfied with the design, the agency starts the production of your custom bracelet.

Custom rubber bracelets are used as identification devices. In hospitals, custom bracelets are worn by patients. These bracelets have all the medical information of the patient imprinted on them. This is really useful in emergency situations when doctors can access all the information they need from the patient’s wrist. Newborn babies have bracelets around their wrists for identification in neo-natal wards.

Custom rubber bracelets are not just about a message or an attitude, but they are now important information tools as well.