Sarah Lahbati takes the subject of breast cancer personally since someone close to her heart - her cousin - was diagnosed with stage four cancer two years ago.
"Right now she's in a critical situation. I wanted to interview her pero siyempre it's a sensitive issue, and 'yung situation niya ngayon medyo delikado. I take this personally, and mas na-realize ko kung ga'no kalaki itong cause at kung ga'no siya nakakatulong para maging aware 'yung mga kababaihan dito sa Pilipinas," the young Kapuso actress told members of media at the launch of Avon's Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC) 2012.
The event was also graced by Avon Philippines President and General Manager Kanwar Bhutani, and representatives of the campaign's partners, namely: Dr. Rachael Rosario (Executive Director, Philippine Cancer Society), Atty. Felipe L. Gozon (Chairman and CEO, GMA 7), Sonja Vodusek (General Manager, The Peninsula Manila), Randy Krieger (General Manager, Ford Philippines), and Jen Colayco (SM Women's Committee).
It's no surprise then that Sarah firmly believes in the importance of spreading awareness about breast cancer to as many women as possible.
"It's important to have your breasts checked. Katulad nga ng sinabi ni Dr. Rosario, kailangan ng [checkup] at least once a month, seven days after your menstruation para sa mga babae.
"Hindi pwede na maging kampante lang, 'Naku, wala 'yan. Konti lang 'yan.' Pero actually isa sa eight na babae ang namamatay. Every year dumadami nga 'yon, so it's really important to have your breasts checked," she stressed.
As this year's ambassador, Sarah intends to do her part starting with connecting to her family, friends, and supporters via online social networking sites "[to] spread the word and help them para mas maging aware ang mga tao."
"I'm very grateful to have them with me. I wanna grab this opportunity, bilang nandito na 'ko, bakit pa ko magse-stay sa bahay? Why wouldn't I do anything when I know that I can help?" said she.
Now on its 20th anniversary, the KGBC will be holding a 20-day nationwide tour, dubbed the "Let's Walk the Talk Tour," aside from the annual Walk and Run events. It will be held between Aug. 20 and Oct. 28 at Avon offices and SM Malls across the country, and will educate participants about the disease, the importance of early detection and regular breast examination. Educational sessions on doing a self-breast exam will also be held.
Meanwhile, the Walk and Run event slated for Oct. 21 at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds will be the culminating activity this year.
"I think the essence of this year's campaign is that together, women in the Philippines can help connect and communicate the importance of breast cancer awareness," Sarah said.
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