Race to 125,000 Kisses Events by Avon to Benefit Breast Cancer Patients

There is no cure for breast cancer—yet, and that is precisely why the campaign for the awareness and early detection of the disease should be intensified. Currently, these comprise our only defense against the number 1 cancer in the Philippines.   

Avon, the company for women and foremost corporate advocate of breast cancer, renewed its commitment to the cause and launched the 2011 Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC) campaign entitled Race to 125,000 Kisses at The Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila. This year’s initiative invites everyone to positively respond to the call of battling the deadly disease by working together to build a giant pink ribbon through their “Kisses of Support.”

Hosted by Lyn Ching-Pascual along with KGBC advocate and actress Rhian Ramos, the launch brought together the campaign’s official partners Philippine Cancer Society, GMA Network, SM Supermalls, SM Mall of Asia, SM Cares, The Peninsula Manila, Reebok, and Bosom Buddies, the press, and a great number of supporters to encourage breast cancer patients and survivors all over the country.  

One of the program highlights was the talk forum Kiss and Tell, which opened the floor to a panel of speakers who shared personal and poignant stories of their encounters with breast cancer.

 

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Speakers included  philanthropists and survivors Lara Melissa de Leon and Ces Schulze; PGH Breast Care Center patient Josephine Negranza; writer, singer, educator and husband to a survivor Jim Paredes; male breast cancer patient Antonio Nicerio; and Philippine Cancer Society Executive Director Dr. Rachael Rosario.

Josephine Negranza, a single mother blessed with three children, felt the symptoms of the killer disease early on, but it was only in 2008 (at the age of 48) that she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. With cancer running in the family, she made sure that her children had regular check-ups at the PGH Breast Care Center while she herself was also being treated there for the disease.

Today, Josephine calls on everyone to be vigilant by conducting self-breast examination and is one of the staunchest breast cancer advocates. “I want to share my story with everyone so that they too can be aware of what they can do to prevent or detect breast cancer.”

Meanwhile, former actress Lara Melissa de Leon used her ordeal to fulfill a higher purpose. With her healthy lifestyle, enviable career and solid family life, Lara was the last person one would think would fall prey to breast cancer. Her life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with the disease.

She remained strong throughout the ordeal, stating her faith as her primary anchor. “I thought that maybe the Lord was trying to tell me something through my circumstances, that there was a purpose behind what was happening.” Now a breast cancer survivor, Lara spends a lot of time talking about her experience as a way of encouraging patients, their families and friends.

 

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Philanthropist Ces Schulze (mother of TV host Lexi Schulze) knew the moment she’d felt a lump on one of her breasts that she needed to have it checked immediately. As she and her doctor had suspected, the lump turned out to be stage 3 breast cancer. Despite the need to have the entire breast taken out, she saw the diagnosis as a chance to start over. She went back to leading a healthy and active lifestyle; and 6 years after the prognosis, she was declared clinically and medically cancer-free.

Ces cites her family’s support as the source of strength she drew from, as well as her decision to remain positive throughout the experience. “At first it was very hard. But once I accepted that it’s not the end of the world and that I can live without one breast, I learned to accept it in the proper light. I share this realization with friends from my cancer group and other patients, so that they can look forward to life despite the circumstances.”

While it’s true that a lot more women are stricken by the disease, breast cancer does not choose genders and can affect anyone, even a tough guy. Antonio Nicerio, 67 years old, is one of the few male breast cancer patients in the country. Despite being different —gender-wise—than most sufferers, Antonio is facing the same challenges everyone else does after being diagnosed with the disease (stage 3) in 2010.   

A bodyguard for a colonel for the past 30 years, Mang Antonio is preparing to undergo treatment, readying himself, both mentally and physically, just as in his profession, for the fight against breast cancer.  

 

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As husband to a breast cancer survivor, Jim Paredes knows from experience that breast cancer is a shared journey between husband and wife. “My wife Lydia did not have cancer; rather, we had cancer. We experienced it together, and one of the surprises we received from it was realizing that instead of bringing us dread and pain, it only gifted us with the opportunity for greater intimacy, closeness and prayerfulness as a family. It also taught us to be grateful for each day and moment spent with each other.”

He concludes, “Much can be said about tragedy. But when handled well, it can be a great tonic for a more meaningful life.”

How can you help support the cause? You can either join the Run, the Walk, or purchase products. Participation in the annual KGBC event translates into a Kiss donation for all breast cancer victims.

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The Race to 125,000 Kisses Run, consisting of the 5K and 10K events, encourages the growing community of runners in the Philippines to actively show their commitment for the cause. For a registration fee of P500.00 and P650.00 respectively, individuals will receive the Avon KGBC Race Kit, which already includes a singlet, race number and giveaway. Proceeds from the event, which will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds on October 2, will go to the PGH Breast Care Center and selected provincial hospitals. 

To join the Walk Events, simply purchase the 2011 KGBC T-shirt which comes with a Kiss Bag Tag for only P220 from an Avon representative. For every shirt purchased, P20 will be donated to the PGH Breast Care Center and selected provincial hospitals.

Finally, individuals may also show their support for the cause by purchasing the Avon Simply Pretty ColorBliss Lipstick, with part of the proceeds earmarked for the breast cancer fund. This fundraising product will be available in the Avon Brochure starting October 1-15, 2011.

With such a lineup, each person—whether survivor, family, friend, or fellow Filipino - has the chance to blow a kiss of hope, to make a difference and help sufferers Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer.  

For more details and information on the events, call 864-2900 or log on to www.avonkgbcphilippines.com.