When breast friends walk together
It is the number one health concern among women. It is the second most common type of cancer, next only to lung cancer. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer death. “But breast cancer is not a death sentence,” says Louie Migne, Avon communications head for Asia Pacific. “The closest to a cure is early detection. By raising awareness, together we can make a difference.”
Avon, the company for women and leading global beauty company, launched the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade in the UK in 1992, which was subsequently adopted by Avon worldwide. In the Philippines, Avon continues the fight against the disease with the Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC) campaign. On October 5, Avon aims to gather 30,000 or more participants to join the three-kilometer non-competitive walk to be held simultaneously in Bacolod, Batangas, Cabanatuan , Cagayan de Oro, Cauayan, Cebu, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Malolos, Manila, San Fernando, Tacloban, and Vigan.
“We will try to break records with the biggest number of participants in 16 different locations in the Philippines,” says Bob Briddon, Avon Philippines president and general manager. More than being part of what will perhaps be the biggest KGBC Walk in the Philippines, participants will also be making a huge difference in the lives of many women breast cancer patients.
October is known globally as Breast Cancer Awareness month. What’s more, this year is the 30th year of Avon in the Philippines. It’s a very good reason to celebrate.
“Avon is committed to women’s causes,” Briddon asserts. “We are proud of what Avon does for breast cancer. We aim to raise awareness as well as raise funds.” Of the two, raising awareness appears to be the bigger challenge in the Philippines. Avon ladies are trained to help raise awareness, to encourage women to learn to do self-examination, as well as to go for regular checkup.
Patients need someone to talk to. It is hard to break the dreadful news, and it is a heavy burden for their family members who will be affected. And then there is the formidable cost of treatment. Avon has raised funds for financial support to patients to buy medicines to help ease the pain. Donors have been generous. Worldwide, Avon ’s KGBC campaign has raised over $525 million to forward breast cancer education and awareness, screening and diagnosis, as well as scientific research.
Aside from Avon’s groundbreaking event, “I Walk with 30,000 for a Healthier Tomorrow” on October 5, Avon will also be raising funds through the sale of two special-edition products. Available for sale starting September 1 through Avon ladies nationwide is the KGBC shirt, which costs P149. P30 from each shirt sold is earmarked for the breast cancer fund. The cost of the T-shirt also serves as the participant’s joining fee in the KGBC Walk in any of the 16 locations nationwide.
The other fund-raising initiative is the sale of KGBC limited-edition Skin So Soft Ultra Healing hand & body lotion. P5 from each sale will go towards the continued support of the PGH Breast Care Center as well as selected provincial hospitals. The Breast Care Center at the UP-PGH used to house the library of the Philippine Cancer Society, one of Avon ’s partners in the fight against breast cancer, together with other partners including GMA Network, Globe, Reebok, Astra Zeneca, SM Mall of Asia, and the Rotary International District 3780.
“The Philippine Cancer Society was founded more than half a century ago,” PCS chairman, Dr. Robert Paterno, remarked during the program which was hosted by award-winning actress Iza Calzado at the Faura Garden at the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Avon Philippine executives led by president and general manager Bob Briddon and communications head for Asia Pacific Louie Migne joined the representatives of their partner organizations in wearing “global ribbons,” which symbolized their pledge to help in the fight against breast cancer. Guests were also asked to tie together the pink ribbons which they received upon arrival as a symbolic gesture to form a chain of “strings of hope” for a healthier tomorrow for women sufferers across the country. The courageous women of the PGH Breast Care Center support group,who are themselves breast cancer survivors, accompanied the guests who toured the Breast Care Center and Mammography room at the PGH.
Vicky Anonuevo was discovered to have stage 4 cancer five years ago and has had her left breast removed. She has found strength in bonding with her fellow survivors. They have regular gatherings and monthly birthday celebrants are given a birthday cake. She joins bowling tournaments to keep herself active.
Nedy Severino was 32 when she was discovered with cancer 18 years ago. She enjoys the time she spends with the support group and takes one day at a time.
When Remy Matienzo told her daughter about her cancer in 2005, her daughter almost collapsed. “But I knew I had to stay calm and be strong for her,” Remy recalls. Remy used to sing professionally abroad. These days, she is available to sing at weddings and other gatherings. The cancer did not take away her voice. Neither did it take away her love for life.
The Breast Care Center at the PGH receives an average of 150 patients per day. Chemotherapy sessions take place in the morning. Medication which would cost around P8,000 outside costs from P5,000 to P7,000 at the PGH. The dosage depends on the age and weight of the patient. Avon raised funds to help establish the center. The four tables in the consultation area were donated by Avon .
We ask, when will we know that Avon has succeeded in its campaign? “When there will no longer be a need for a center such as this,” is Briddon’s reply.
Avon’s Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer campaign raises funds. It raises awareness.It also raises hope.
