Earlier, I was watching the Colbert Report and witnessed an event that got me thinking. We’re all well aware of the yellow silicone bracelets made popular by Lance Armstrong to raise awareness for cancer research. Colbert wears a red one to support “Wriststrong”, in which he injured his wrist. (proceeds still support cancer) He was interviewing a guest who in turn had a Wriststrong bracelet. The guest was going to give Colbert his bracelet, but Colbert said that they would swap bracelets.

They shook hands and pulled one bracelet to the other’s wrist. It was a seamless exchange of bracelets, and it excited by noggin. What an interesting maneuver! Here’s my idea.

All the bearers of these silicone bracelets should personalize their own bracelet. They should engrave the name of someone they know, who has cancer, AIDS, or wrist injury on the inside of the bracelet. Then, when they meet someone with a matching bracelet, they should shake hands and swap bracelets. Maybe it would make people more aware to the cause. Because, here is an unknown name of someone who is living or died of this illness. You would still be wearing the bracelet to show your support, but you’d constantly be reinforcing a thought towards someone new who shares the illness.

I think this concept is similar to one when I was a kid. We were supposed to purchase a metallic bracelet, which carried the name of a soldier engraved in it. I cant remember if it was a national movement or something local. Though, they were never meant for swapping.

I think Lance needs to go back on the Oprah show and trumpet my idea.