As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Avon Philippines held the first-ever Pink Light Night Run and Walk to raise awareness on the disease and the importance of making the breast self-exam a habit for early detection. The run and walk event was the highlight of Avon’s annual Pink Light Project, which continues the company’s Crusade Against Breast Cancer.
The Filinvest City Event Grounds lit up in pink as Avon brand ambassadors Marian Rivera, Jennylyn Mercado, Daniel Matsunaga, and Bettina Carlos, together with Avon Representatives and advocates, pledged to help every woman know the risks, see the signs, and take action against breast cancer.
As the leading corporate supporter of the cause, Avon Philippines partnered with Color Manila to hold an exciting night run – a first for Avon – that had participants, including Jennylyn, run through a fun course and get caked in pink powder while making a pledge to fight breast cancer and do the breast self-exam regularly. Avon and Color Manila used the concept of the pink light (runners will be sporting pink headlamps) as a visual metaphor for how Avon wants every participant to light the way towards a healthier, happier future for Filipinas.
“Gusto nating lahat na mas maraming kababaihan ang makaalam ng kahalagahan ng breast self-exam. And with this event, we can shine a pink light on breast cancer and help
bring women out of the darkness,” said Marian in her speech during the program.
Aside from making a pledge, everybody who joined the run and walk also raised Php1M for the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), Avon’s long-time partner in its crusade against breast cancer. One of the fruits of this partnership has been the creation of the Avon-Philippine General Hospital Breast Care Center, which provides health care and assistance to approximately 150 women a day—offering free breast health guidance, consultation, and check-ups.
“Avon cares deeply about women. It’s part of our DNA. In all our company practices, women are put front and center, from their wants and needs to the causes they fight for. With this run for breast cancer, we proudly uphold every Filipina’s right to lead a happy, healthy life,” said Razvan Diratian, General Manager, Avon Philippines. He added, “No woman deserves to be in the dark when it comes to this disease, and we hope to encourage more women to do breast self-exam, the surest way of detecting the disease early. If more women made this a habit, we would have less broken families and lost friends.”
“We’re extremely grateful to Avon for its unwavering support for the Philippine Cancer Society as part of their efforts in leading the crusade against breast cancer here in the country. With the Pink Light Night Run and Walk’s donation, PCS will be able to help more women who are seeking medical care to win against this disease,” said Dr. Rachael Rosario, Executive Director, Philippine Cancer Society.
As PCS’s constant and committed partner, Avon has been instrumental in establishing the Breast Care Center in PGH, which has helped save many women’s lives and continues to serve even more. On October 25, the company is also set to unveil the Southern Philippines Medical Center Surgical Oncology-AVON Breast Clinic to assist and care for more women and patients in Davao City and the rest of Mindanao.
Avon’s run and walk event was also graced by Misters of Filipinas winner Mr. Tourism and Culture Universe-Philippines Vandave Paragas.
Apart from the night run and walk, Avon Philippines also partnered with different establishments as part of its Pink Light Project initiatives for October. The SM Mall of Asia globe and Makati Shangri-La Hotel’s fountain have been lit up in pink to invite more people to join the breast cancer crusade.
Since 1992, Only Avon champions beauty for a purpose through its long legacy of empowering women to lead safe and healthy lives. With its annual crusade against breast cancer, the company has launched various programs and initiatives to educate more woman and help eliminate the disease. Avon’s commitment to fighting breast cancer has been steadfast. Avon’s bright pink light serves as a reminder for Filipinos to know the risks, see the signs, and take action when it comes to breast cancer.
