As the sun begins to rise in downtown Austin, cyclists and runners dressed in yellow and black will line up at the start line. Among them will be cancer survivors, patients undergoing treatment, families and friends supporting loved ones and community members.

On Nov. 2, the Livestrong Foundation, a cancer survivorship nonprofit, will host their 29th annual “Challenge.” Participants can choose between biking through Austin and the Texas Hill Country, a 5K or 10K around Lady Bird Lake or cheering from the sidelines, all to raise funding and awareness for those affected by cancer. 

“It’s always such a mix of (emotions) — there’s the excitement of the event, there’s the bittersweet feelings,” said Scott Joy, a director at Livestrong and longtime Challenge participant. “People have been through so much, either themselves or with family, but there’s a real energy to it.”

Since 1997, the foundation has impacted the lives of cancer survivors and their families by providing resources to improve their quality of life. Livestrong president and CEO Suzanne Stone said the organization’s focus sets Livestrong apart from other cancer foundations. 

“We’re the only national-level nonprofit that works specifically in survivorship, regardless of tumor type,” Stone said. “From the moment somebody is diagnosed with cancer, that’s when we begin intersecting with not just that person, but their entire ecosystem.” 

Many of Livestrong’s programs, including the Challenge, focus on helping survivors build strength after treatment. 

“The word ‘challenge’ is really about challenging cancer and saying, ‘I’ve got this, and I’ve got you,’” Stone said. “(The athletic component) builds on the idea that we work toward every day: no one faces cancer alone.” 

Joy, a testicular cancer survivor, said Livestrong works to advocate for policies that improve quality of life in survivorship. 

 “Just this year, we’ve saved 3.5 million dollars for patients through fertility medication and personalized support,” Joy said. “We’ve served 529 people as of the beginning of this month who needed fertility assistance for preserving their fertility before going through chemotherapy.”

Livestrong is expecting 1,500 to 2,000 participants at this year’s Challenge, Stone said, and will include new entertainment at the finish line. 

“I’m excited to see what we’re doing at the finish line,” Joy said. “In particular, there’s a new stage with entertainment in the yellow zone, food and options for families.” 

At the finish line, volunteers play an essential role in cheering on participants. Sydney Chen, a chemistry sophomore, will volunteer at the event and said she’s excited to give back to the community. 

“I signed up to be a rose runner, so as the cancer survivors cross the finish line, (volunteers) come up to them and congratulate (cancer survivors) by giving them roses,” Chen said.

Stone said Livestrong is still accepting volunteers and participants for the Challenge and those interested can register or donate at livestrong.org to support the foundation’s broader mission of guiding people through the challenges of cancer. 

“There’s a lot of chaos and a lot of confusion when you’re first diagnosed, or when someone in your close circle is first diagnosed, but you’re not going through this alone,” Stone said. “(Livestrong) can connect you with people, resources, answers, solutions to the questions that you have — and you can trust it.”