Fergie walks for Big C research

MANILA, Philippines - Fergie walked alongside 2,800 participants (from 45 states and Canada, including 322 breast cancer survivors) at the recently-concluded eight annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Santa Barbara, California, where it raised more than $6.4-M to advance access to care and breast cancer research.

The international recording artist and global fragrance endorser congratulated the Top 10 fundraisers and joined supporters at the inspirational closing ceremony to announce a total of more than $3-M in initial grants awarded to 12 organizations in Southern California.     

“I had the chance to meet some of you out on the route today and hear stories of why you walk,” Fergie said at the ceremony. “I can only say — for me and my mom and father who are with me — thank you. Thank you for taking a stand and for walking an insane amount of miles to fight breast cancer. I’m sure you all know how much good the money you raised will do.”

Here in the Philippines, Avon’s Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC) campaign is gearing up to step out against the No. 1 killer of Filipino women with its series of events scheduled this month to raise funds and support the medically under-served.

Through KGBC events and fundraising products, Avon was able to help establish the Breast Care Center at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), initiate support groups for sufferers and survivors, and provide much-needed equipment to provincial government hospitals.

For 2010, the company for women calls on everyone to step out against breast cancer. Supporters will not only walk, they will also run to renew their commitment to the cause. After all, there is no running or walking away from breast cancer, only stepping out as an entire nation to fight it.

The walk events will be held on Oct. 3 at SM MOA Open Grounds and SM Bacolod; Oct. 10 at Avon Cagayan de Oro and SM Lucena; and Oct. 17 at SM Baguio; while run events will be on Oct. 3 at SM MOA Open Grounds, and Oct. 10 at Avon Cagayan de Oro.