Should it stay or should it go?
That’s a question the cancer centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre will be asking patients, staff and volunteers over the next three weeks about an autographed Lance Armstrong jersey that’s been with the organization since 2006.
The Tour de France jersey, prominently displayed in a large glass case with the words “Lance Armstrong” over top of it, near the cancer centre waiting room is pretty hard to miss.
It is personally autographed to the centre itself. But it’s become such a fixture of the centre since local firefighters donated the jersey as a source of inspiration to local cancer patients, it’s been hiding in plain sight.
That is until Armstrong admitted to doping throughout his unparalleled success as the world’s most famous cyclist. Now some visitors to the centre are questioning whether the jersey should be removed.
“We have had strong opinions on both sides of the issue,” supportive care director Scott Sellick said.
Regardless of Armstrong’s wrongdoings he did survive testicular, lung and brain cancer to inspire millions of people Sellick said. But then again, he understands why people would want it taken down. Sellick feels the jersey should stay but admits his mind could change based on the debate.
“Personally I like to live in a world that’s understanding and forgiving as much as possible but its early days on this one,” Sellick said.
Sellick said the centre will be asking people their thoughts on whether the jersey should stay. And if it doesn’t, what should be put up in its place.
