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 Health & Beauty | October 2006 
Over 9,000 Women Take Part in Breast Cancer Run
 Therese Margolis - The Herald Mexico
| | While most of the participants were content to jog, saunter and stroll along the leisurely five-kilometer path, about a third opted to race full-speed through an extended 10-kilometer trail. |
More than 9,000 women took to the streets in the early hours of Sunday when Avon cosmetics hosted its annual "Walk for Life" to help raise public awareness and money to fight breast and uterus cancer.
Dressed in flamingo-pink T-shirts and rosebud-hued baseball caps, women of all ages trekked from the National Auditorium down Reforma Avenue to the Diana Fountain and back as thousands of spectators and supporters cheered them on.
While most of the participants were content to jog, saunter and stroll along the leisurely five-kilometer path, about a third opted to race full-speed through an extended 10-kilometer trail.
Erika Guevara, from the State of Mexico, walked away with the first-place title and a 10,000-peso (US$924) prize after managing to complete the run in just 36 minutes and six seconds.
But Avon México Vice President for Sales Eduardo Ribiero was quick to point out that in the end, all the participants were winners, since they were helping to fight a common enemy.
"This walk is about taking steps to prevent and cure cancer in women," he said. "Every woman here has begun her own battle against the disease."
EARLY DETECTION
He added that 80 percent of breast cancer cases can be cured through early detection and treatment.
"In the last 12 years, Avon México has collected more than 85 million pesos (US$7.8 million) through our annual Walk for Life, the sale of promotional products and our yearly fundraising dinner ball," said Avon walk-a-thon spokesperson and television personality Rebecca de Alba. "With over 9,000 participants this year, this race has become the single largest female sporting event in the country."
The U.S.-based cosmetic firm is also selling stuffed toy pandas throughout the month of October to raise money for the program.
FOUNDATION´S GOALS
According to Ribiero, in 2006, the company hopes to earn at least 13 million pesos (US$1.2 million), all of which will go to organizations that provide free or low-cost testing and treatment to underprivileged Mexican women.
"Avon has always been a company geared to women and women´s issues, so it is only natural that we try to help fight cancers that affect women," he said.
The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade was first launched in the United Kingdom in 1992, and later extended to over 50 countries, including Mexico in 1994.
As of last year, the program had raised more than US$400 million worldwide for breast and uterine cancer research, treatment and screening.
Avon will be hosting a similar walk-a-thon in the northern city of Monterrey on Sunday, Nov. 12. |
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