Why Daniel Matsunaga is an avid cancer awareness crusader
‘I’m joining Avon’s Pink Light Night Run because I want to support all the women I love in my life — my mom, my sister, my jowa (Polish girlfriend Karolina Pisarek).’
As darkness falls on October 19, bright splashes of pink will light up the night sky as women from all walks of life come together for Avon’s Pink Light Night Run & Walk 2019.
Women will be running (walking is fine, too) in support of Avon’s unwavering breast cancer awareness crusade. Some of these women are themselves battling breast cancer, have a relative or know someone who has breast cancer.
It will be Avon’s first-ever night run, but Color Manila, Avon’s partner for this event, will make sure the roads are properly lighted with pink lights, pink being a symbol of hope. Of course, for these women warriors, their bright hopes to win the war versus breast cancer will surely light the way.
Running alongside the women, who should all be pretty in pink, are the men, too. Like Brazilian model/actor, who’s an Avon ambassador.
Limping his way to the stage at the launch, Daniel addresses his all-female audience, “It may look funny we’re talking about a run and I have a broken toe right now (from playing football).”
But yes, broken toe and all, in good or bad weather, he will run.
After all, breast cancer is something Daniel can very well relate to. “My tita died of breast cancer,” he shares. “A girl friend, who’s only 31, was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago.”
He declares with a passion, “I’m joining this run not because I’m an Avon endorser. It’s really because I want to support all the ladies. I love the women in my life -- my mother, my sister, my jowa (Polish girlfriend Karolina Pisarek). They’re very, very important to me.”
Over an all-pink lunch menu at Makati Shangri-La, a puzzled Daniel confesses, “I was surprised to find out that men can get breast cancer, too. Is it one in a thousand? I didn’t know that breast cancer could happen to me, too.”
Yes, men can also develop breast cancer, although this is very rare.
On the other hand, the incidence of breast cancer in women is on the rise. “One in 13 women has breast cancer, it’s the Number 1 cancer in the Philippines,” says Dr. Rachel Rosario, executive director, Philippine Cancer Society.
Your best weapon vs. the Big C, according to Doc Rachel, is still early detection. “There are signs and symptoms, like changes in skin color and the presence of lymph nodes. That’s why we advocate early detection, and we can do that with a simple test -- self-breast examination.”
The lady doctor elaborates, “Self-examination helps because if a woman is familiar with her breasts, when something becomes unfamiliar -- like a lump which wasn’t there before, like last month -- she can feel it right away. Knowing there’s a new growth, it should encourage you to go to a doctor.”
Doc Rachel tells us, “Generally, breast cancer occurs in the older generation so the risk increases as you grow older.”
She prescribes, “Talk to your doctor if your cancer risk is high, like if many of your family members have cancer or if you’re overweight, so he can come up with something that’s tailor-fit for you.”
Since we are what we eat, is there an anti-breast cancer diet?
Doc Rachel is quick to reply, “The diet is for all kinds of cancer, like a diet rich in fruits and vegetables; also avoid processed meats, drink alcohol in moderation, and absolutely, no smoking. I would also advise physical activity most days of the week.”
Yes, like running. A new study shows that regular running can cut cancer risk. Women who run or exercise are significantly less likely to develop any kind of cancer. That’s regardless of your body size or smoking history, so you don’t really have to start out in great shape.
“We really want to encourage everyone to join us in this run,” Daniel stresses. “This is not a 40-kilometer run — short lang sya — just 3k, 5k, 10k. Or you can just walk, pwede din yan. We just want to spread awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection through self-breast examination, and not wait for it to aggravate.”
“Health is the most important thing,” asserts Avon Philippines general manager Razvan Diratian. “That’s why Avon will never stop running to find a cure to this terrible disease. The most important thing Avon can do is to raise awareness. Because, fortunately, if this disease is discovered early, the chances of survival are very, very high. We want to make sure everyone has access to information, and everyone is aware of self-examination.”
Yes, Avon Philippines’ GM, who hails from Romania but is fast adapting to his new home and some Filipino dishes, will be on the frontline to welcome the runners at the Pink Light night run. “The most important thing is to have fun, to raise awareness; this is not really a sports event.”
I ask Razvan, “Will the women be running with Avon makeup on?”
He flashes a big smile and says, “We just launched one very good line — a Power Stay pink powder. The good thing about it is even if you’re sweating, the makeup will stay on.”
But why do the run at night?
Razvan explains, “We’re doing it at night so people will have finished their normal duties or activities by then. It’s also cooler and it’s a weekend so everybody will be more relaxed, will just have fun, meet new friends.”
“Everybody will be given a pink powder from Avon to symbolize our coming together not only to run and be fit but also to actually support Avon’s cause for breast cancer awareness,” says Justine Cordero, founder and vice president, Color Manila. “Everybody will also be getting a medal as a symbol of being a hero for that day.”
“All the donations from this run will go to the Philippine Cancer Society,” Razvan informs us. “Last year, we donated to the Davao Memorial Hospital, where they renovated their breast cancer clinic so many more women can get professional help. Avon is also making donations on its own by selling some products.”
Doc Rachel blushes as she admits, “I’m tickled pink to be here. I’m gonna say, let’s have a pink life. We shouldn’t be doing this only in October, we’ll do this for the whole year. Avon is the only corporate entity fighting breast cancer very visibly and very publicly. We hope this will go on so that the next generations of women will not experience any more heartbreaks because somebody was diagnosed with breast cancer. We will do well and take care of the money entrusted to us so we can help more women today and tomorrow.”
So, let’s mark October 19 on our calendar as a pink letter day. And get ready to put on our pink shirts and run (or walk) towards the Pink Light!
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For information on Avon’s Pink Light Night Run & Walk 2019, visit www.colormanila.com.
