For almost eight years, I volunteered at Ronald McDonald House. It brought me such joy to bring happiness to the lives of children living with cancer and their families. We played games, sang songs and read stories. We shared fun meals, some catered by local restaurants, and kicked-off the World Series in a mock stadium while watching the top teams in baseball battle for the game’s ultimate prize. I will say, Halloween was a bit spooky; there was candy everywhere – at the reception desk, in the playroom, in the kitchen/dining area. Even back then, before nutrition and health were at the forefront of my being, I knew it was too much.
For the past four years, Keith and I have been participating in the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer. We signed up after my sister was diagnosed with the disease. It had hit too close to home and I had to do something. I remember thinking that I wasn’t a scientist who could conduct research and find a cure, but I could be a part of fundraising to make sure scientists could do what they do best. I vowed to walk until there is a cure and, thankfully, Keith is so supportive and right there with me (he’s a great fundraiser!). Avon’s message has been about a cure – raising money to find a cure – but this year was different. I noticed the sign early in the morning as we arrived: Avon Foundation is shifting the focus from treatment to prevention.
I’m really torn. On one hand, I have had great experiences both volunteering at the House and participating in the Avon Walk. I’ve been proud of my association with Ronald McDonald House and the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer, yet I have to admit when I think about where so many of the millions of dollars come from to fund the House and the Walk, it bothers me.
McDonald’s – a fast food chain using various chemicals and processed foods to create its low-cost menu options, including, of course, Happy Meals marketed to children. And Avon, a leader in the beauty industry, using chemicals, many of which have been linked to cancer, to create its products. Both companies generating millions of dollars to support cancer research and offer comfort to people living with cancer with goods that could very well be contributing factors in the development and/or growth of tumors.
I’m excited about Avon’s choice to direct its focus from finding a cure for cancer to cancer prevention. I’m hopeful this is one of many steps to come to shift the paradigm about health and well-being. I’ve written to ANDREA JUNG, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avon, to commend the decision to focus on (breast) cancer prevention. With this new direction, Avon has the opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of millions of women and men.
It’s imperative that we let our voices be heard so the billion dollar corporations know that we demand quality, safe products for our families and our selves.
