More than just the cycling fanatics of the world were inspired by Lance Armstrong.

Everyone watched with amazement as the wunderkind who went professional at age 19 confronted and overcame two of his demons, seemingly through sheer determination. First, he beat the odds to survive a serious battle with testicular cancer.

And then, with Tour de France aficionados marking practically every turn, he achieved an all-consuming goal, retiring at last with a record-breaking seven consecutive trophies.

Along the way, he served as the inspiration to millions fighting cancer, and to anyone with the motto "LiveStrong" in mind and an eye on their own athletic prize. Proceeds from the sale of his $1 bright-yellow wristbands sporting that motto raised some $50 million for cancer survival research and programs. Moreover, Armstrong set a new pace for charity work. Sales of wristbands that he popularized have benefited various causes, in communities from Miami to Mililani.

That's a considerable legacy anyone would be proud of.