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Tonya Papanikolas reporting Seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong was in Utah today, where he spent some time meeting with cancer patients. Armstrong said he had heard about the Huntsman Cancer Institute from the man who runs the Lance Armstrong Foundation, but now he's seen it for himself.
Lance mentioned that when you're diagnosed with cancer, you're already scared, so walking into a clinical setting can be very intimidating; but he said he was impressed with the Huntsman Cancer Institute because it didn't feel like a hospital.
The retired cyclist spent time greeting Utah cancer patients and their families today while the patients sat through chemotherapy treatments.
One patient, Frank Acton, said, "I thought he was a wonderful gentleman to shake his hand with and talk to. I think he can help a lot of people."
Patients say they drew hope from seeing the cancer survivor.
Kirk Wilde said, "He's done well after what he's went through."
Erica Nees, whose mother has cancer, said, "I'm a cyclist, so it was cool to meet Lance."
But Armstrong says the feeling is mutual. "For me, it really keeps me motivated and inspired to do what I do on a daily basis."
Armstrong says when it comes to talking with cancer patients, his role is mostly to listen. "There's really not a lot that you can tell them. And I don't know that they always want to hear a lot. I think what they want to do is share their story."
So he signed autographs and learned about the people, alongside Jon Huntsman, who founded the institute. Together, the two men told patients they were working to beat the disease.
Armstrong said, "We look forward to working together and trying to ultimately turn this into a very nice hotel in a few years when cancer is gone."
During Armstrong's visit, Jon Huntsman also made an important announcement today. He said he would be doubling the size of the cancer hospital because too many people have to wait to get treatment. He said the project is already financed and will be finished in three years.
