As Avon commemorated 10 years of the Avon Walk in the Philippines, over 20,000 participants joined Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer ambassadors Jennylyn Mercado, Rocco Nacino and his mother Linda in a walk and run event at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds with the theme, “I Share the Fight Against Breast Cancer.”
Showing that it walks the talk, Avon, the company for women, sends a strong statement that there’s no greater purpose than for people to lend their strength and courage to buoy up and keep the hopes up of those affected by the disease.
As Avon Philippines’ general manager Emie Aguilar-Nierves – who has been all out in supporting this crusade – said, “Everyone can fall victim to breast cancer. The good news, however, is that everyone can take part and be of help in this journey.”
“With early detection, sufficient awareness and the adequate support of committed parties, we are given the chance to successfully win this fight,” she added.
KGBC ambassador Jennylyn Mercado also expressed gratitude at the opportunity to do something meaningful, saying “I have found a deeper purpose in my role as an Avon Intimate Apparel ambassador. Beyond making women feel beautiful and confident with the Avon products, we want to send a message that we can beat breast cancer with the support of everyone.”
Jennylyn also reiterated her pledge to sell 20,000 Pink Ribbon Bras to support the cause. Proceeds of this specially designed intimate apparel will go towards maintaining the PGH Breast Care Center.
“We thank God, our friends, our families and everyone who supported us during our difficult times. It feels great to do good to others, especially to those who are affected by breast cancer,” Rocco Nacino expressed. Now everyone is aware that his mom Linda is a breast cancer survivor who has been cancer-free for 16 years. She recently launched her own “Piso Para sa Chemo” – a coin drive using empty water bottles, which benefits breast cancer patients at the PGH Breast Care Center.
To date, Linda has been able to turn over P53,000.00 worth of cash donation to patients at the PGH Breast Care Center with the help of Rocco’s fans, their family, and friends. An additional P25,000.00 is on its way to be handed over to patients before the month ends.
“Through KGBC, I am able to empower others by sharing my own experiences. Avon has become an avenue for me to motivate breast cancer patients to fight and believe they are beautiful and strong, no matter what,” said Linda.
Also joining Jennylyn, Rocco and Linda in the walk against breast cancer were representatives of other partners like the Philippine Cancer Society, Philippine General Hospital, GMA Network, SM Mall of Asia, SM Cares, Ford Philippines, and UnitedHealth Group.
GMA-7’s Lyn Ching-Pascual, Love Añover, Susan Enriquez, Luane Dy and Tonypet Gaba hosted the much-awaited annual event, highlighting Avon’s 13th year in the fight against breast cancer advocacy in the Philippines.
Since its launch in 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has donated more than $815 million through 2013 to breast cancer programs in over 50 countries for research and advancing access to care, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Over six million Avon independent sales representatives around the world not only raise funds for breast cancer programs, but also provide a global army of educators, offering information and raising awareness around the world.
The Philippines has been identified as having the highest incidence rate of breast cancer in the whole of Asia, with one out of every 13 Filipino women falling victim to this disease.
