Some experts are concerned that instead of being known for his prolific fund raising on behalf of cancer research, Lance Armstrong is garnering more attention to his private life, reports The New York Times.

Since retiring from professional cycling, Mr. Armstrong has raised more than $70-million for cancer research through the sale of the very popular yellow Livestrong bracelets. He has also testified before Congress on the need for further research.

However, it is his romantic life that seems to spark newspaper headlines. Mr. Armstrong has had high-profile relationships with a number of celebrities, including the singer Sheryl Crow and the fashion designer Tory Burch.

Claire L. Gaudiani, a professor of philanthropy and fund raising at New York University, said, “He should be concerned about the impact of how he dates on the seriousness of his legacy. He’s got a great role to play, but it doesn’t have to be in bars or on red carpets with lovely young people. That will ruin his capacity to do the work he has said is important to him.”

Some people who have worked with Mr. Armstrong say that the significance of his work on behalf of cancer survivors outweighs his appearances on gossip pages.

Howard Chalmers, former leader of the Lance Armstrong Foundation from 1999 to 2001, said, “For cancer survivors and for the future of the foundation and the contribution the foundation can make, the boy has been cut a lot of slack and will continue to be cut a lot of slack because of the good he does.”

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