On television, in print, or told in front of a live audience, Linda Armstrong Kelly's life story is captivating people everywhere. Her son, seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong, credits her as the unsung hero behind his spectacular cycling victories - and in his triumph over cancer. Linda is Lance's role model.
As a young, single mom, Linda vowed to raise Lance with all the advantages she did not have growing up in the Dallas projects. Her positive influence as a parent was the driving force in encouraging him to fulfill his destiny as one of the greatest athletes in history. She was with Lance from his first bike ride to his final Tour de France victory in 2005.
Her life experiences dealing with an alcoholic father, domestic abuse, teen pregnancy, single motherhood and care giving for a cancer survivor demonstrate her strength, positive attitude and survival skills.
In 1996, Lance was diagnosed with Stage 4 testicular cancer. The prognosis was grim, but Linda accepted the challenge and focused on helping her son make decisions that would affect his life forever. She helped research his treatment options and was by his side throughout his recovery. Today, Linda is a loyal supporter of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). She has represented LAF at several events and frequently makes appearances at LAF fundraisers.
Linda's hard work and that "fire-in-the-belly" outlook paid off when she achieved her career goal as a global account manager with Ericsson Microelectronics.
After 15 years with Ericsson Linda retired, and with encouragement from her husband, Ed, she took on the overwhelming task of telling her life story. In April, 2005 her book, No Mountain High Enough: Raising Lance, Raising Me (Broadway/Double Day) was published. Publisher's Weekly hailed the book as "a sincerely heartwarming tale, laced with true Texas grit."
In 2005 Linda was the subject of a one-hour television biography on TLC entitled Raising a Champion: The Linda Armstrong Kelly Story. Other recent television appearances include The Dr. Phil Show, CNN, NBC, CBS and ESPN. Linda was the recipient of Ericsson's "Mother of the Year" award in 1999 and has been recognized as one of "America's most fascinating women" by Ladie's Home Journal magazine. She's been featured in national magazines such as People, The New Yorker, USA Today, Ladie's Home Journal, Us and Texas Monthly, as well as countless newspaper, radio programs and news shows.
She is now dedicating her time to writing, public speaking, assisting nonprofit organizations and fundraising.
The unique energy that Linda brings to her audiences has earned her invitations to speak at such diverse venues as national cycling organizations, non-profit organizations as well as the private sector.
Linda Armstrong Kelly, author of No Mountain High Enough, is available through IMG Speakers Bureau for speaking engagements. Linda Armstrong Kelly is also available for corporate meetings and events, business seminars, panel discussions and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Linda Armstrong Kelly.
