Millions of people are living with cancer or have been cured of the disease. The Live Strong Challenge at the state capitol Saturday morning helped celebrate those who won their fight, honor those who did not, and raise awareness of the potentially deadly disease.

Thousands of supporters from around the state and nation came out to participate regardless of background.

"I think we all know people who have cancer, or have had cancer, cancer survivors," said runner Debbie Alvardo.

Some of the runners, like Alvardo, have done it before. For others, it was their first time running or walking the 5k.

Others are thankful to just be alive. Of course Austin's most famous cancer survivor and the event's pseudo-namesake was on hand.

"November 6th is a huge day, not just for me not just for us not just for all cancer survivors but for the future of Texas," said Armstrong.

This is the 11th year for the Lance Armstrong Foundation's signature fundraising event. Armstrong was on hand Saturday to make a plea to the crowd to vote yes on proposition 15, which would create the cancer prevention and research institute of Texas, and make a $300 million investment each year over 10 years.

"Texans in general are proud and when they think about what could be accomplished and how this state could be a leader worldwide in cancer research I think people want to be a part of that and we're helping to spread that message," said foundation president Doug Ulman.

Prop 15 supporters led the pack as runners wound their way through downtown streets, each step a testament to their resolve to one day, stop this disease in its tracks.

So far the Live Strong Fundraiser has raised close to $3.5 million.

Also, Saturday's Proposition 15 rally was the first of many. Armstrong is embarking on a Texas bus tour to promote the bill which will be on the ballot this coming November's elections.