CITY SAVINGS BANK, in partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. – Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (RAFI - EJACC) and the Department of Education (DepEd) 7, marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Project Pink for public school teachers in the Cebu province at Summit Circle Hotel in Cebu City.
Project Pink is one of the signature corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of CitySavings specifically designed for public school teachers to raise their level of awareness on the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. More than 70 teachers from the Division of Talisay, Districts of Liloan, Minglanilla and Consolacion attended the session.
Medical resource speaker Saleshe Tracy Anne Fernandez explained in layman’s terms basic knowledge every woman should know about breast cancer. She also appeased participants on their various concerns pertaining to myths and fallacies on how breast lumps are formed, emphasizing that “there is no primary prevention to breast cancer but early detection is the best protection.“
One of the highlights of the forum was the story-telling of former flight attendant and current resident manager of Holiday Plaza Hotel, breast cancer survivor Ron Bernade-Flores, as she reminisced her journey from diagnosis to undergoing medication, surgeries, chemotherapy and life after treatments.
“Cancer is not about dying; fearing to face it can only worsen the situation. You have to face it with courage and not run from it. What motivated me was the thought that I need to live so I can tell you my story,” said Bernade-Flores.
Members of the ICanServe Foundation, headed by Cebu coordinator Mary Ann Alcordo-Solomon, also graced the event and provided information about their ongoing campaigns such as various fund-raising activities to support women with breast cancer as well as community-based screening programs.
RAFI - EJACC program coordinator Ronald Delos Reyes actively promoted the different programs under the foundation, which teachers may also benefit from and provided information on other institutions in Cebu that can provide financial assistance for people with cancer.
“Our goal is to create and promote long-term sustainable CSR initiatives to advance business and communities. Through Project Pink, we hope our teachers will take better care of their health, since this is one of the most valuable investments they need to focus on to continue their noble profession,” said City Savings reputation management head Paula Ruelan.