Moonwalk to advocate Breast Cancer Awareness

I'm right there at the lower-right-tip of the HUGE HUMAN PINK RIBBON!

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) held the 8^th annual “Moonwalk: A walk for Breast CancerAwareness” last October 18^th. As usual the assembly place was still at the Cebu Business Park right beside the WT Pag-ibig Fund Tower but this year was really big with an estimated 2,000 people participating.

At 5:30pm, the moonwalk participants walked to the Walk in Asiatown I.T. Park, passing by Archbishop Reyes Avenue. Upon arriving, the participants (where the majority was wearing pink) formed a huge human pink ribbon then proceeded with the Pink Rock Concert which followed.

Walking with breast cancer awareness advocates

The MoonWalk is a unique advocacy campaign of RAFI held every full moon of October, aims to promote the importance of observing monthly breast self-examination for women aged 20 and beyond. The participants this year comprised of cancer patients, advocates & supporters, women from the barangays, young professionals and the youth.

The event has always campaigned for the importance of early detection and prevention for breast cancer is a curable disease. While at the same time, the event paid tribute to the victims and survivors of breast cancer.

On the ground level, huge human pink ribbon formation

Breast Cancer in Cebu:

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among Cebuano women, based on the Cebu population-based cancer registry of the foundation. From 1993 to 2007, the Eduardo J Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of RAFI recorded a total of 3,005 reported breast cancer cases in Metro Cebu. EJACC found a continuous increase of breast cancer cases in Metro Cebu over the past 10 years, caused by lifestyle and health-related factors.

This year, Moonwalk is organized in collaboration with THE WALK and in coordination with Ayala Center Cebu and I CAN SERVE. It is supported by the Cebu City Government, Department of Health Region 7, Asiatown I.T. Park, Cebu Business Park, Allied Banking Corporation, Philippine National Bank, Cebu Praedia Development Corporation, Rotary Club of Fuente, Kahayag Network of Cancer Support Group, and Destiny Medical Fund, Inc..

On stage @ Asiatown IT Park Grounds

The Moon-Walk Sequence with participating groups:

1. CITOM Personnel

2. Drum Beaters (Jet Group)

3. Ambulance (ERUF)

4. RAFI Staff

5. Support Groups

• KAHAYAG Network of Cancer Support Group
• I CAN SERVE Foundation
• Cebu Cancer Fight
• Cebu Breast Association
• CAN with GOD

6. Health Groups

• Depart of Health Region 7
• Perpetual Succour Hospital
• Cebu Doctors University Hospital
• Visayas Community Medical Center
• Cebu Velez General Hospital
• Vicentte Sotto Memorial Medical Center
• Cebu City Medical Center
• Chong Hua Hospital
• Philippine Society of Medical Oncologist
• Seventh Day Adventist
• Destiny Medical Fund
• Philippine Oncology Nurses Association

7. Government/LGUs

• Cebu Provincial Government
• Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Office
• Philippine National Police-Cebu City
• Provincial Health Office
• Cebu City Health Office

8. Civic/Private Groups

• Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente
• Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente Community Based
• Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris
• Clothes for Life
• Queen 2011
• Alcordo Advertising
• Allied Bank
• Goldilocks Bakeshop
• Cebu Iwakami
• FedEx
• NKC Manufacturing
• LGC Logistics
• AU KIM Trading
• PhilAm
• FORGE Foundation

9. Barangays/Communities

• Barangay Tinago
• Barangay Tejero
• Barangay Kasambagan
• Barangay Calamba
• Barangay Sambag II
• Barangay Cogon, Pardo
• Barangay Sambag I
• Barangay Tisa
• Barangay Day-as
• Barangay San Nicolas
• Barangay Buhisan
• Barangay Pardo
• Barangay Kamputhaw
• Barangay Lahug
• Barangay Cogon Ramos
• Barangay Mabolo
• Barangay Hipodromo
• Barangay Carreta
• Barangay Pahina Central
• Barangay Lorega
• Barangay Banilad
• Barangay Kamagayan
• Barangay Kalunasan
• Barangay Bulacao
• Barangay Ermita
• KALIPI Women’s Group

10. Drum beaters (Nathaniel Group)

11. Schools

• St. Theresa’s College
• Cebu Doctors’ University
• Velez College
• Salazar Institute of Technology
• University of Southern-Philippines Foundation
• University of Cebu-Banilad
• Cebu Normal University
• University of San Carlos – Talamban
• Cebu Institute of Technology – University
• St. Paul College
• Cebu Technological University
• Abellana National High School

12. Pink Patrollers (Bikers)

13. Ambulance (Perpetual Succour)

Vice Governor of Cebu - Agnes Magpale sharing her story and support

Once again, it was a different-new-&-awesome MoonWalk 2011!!! One I won't forget, thanks to my friends who were there and for their short but sweet company! You made it all the more memorable!! ;D