SAN FRANCISCO, May 11, 2009 / FW/ — Visiting the Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center at the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, Reese Witherspoon underscored the importance of continuing breast cancer research and care.
With the unusually high incidence of breast cancer in San Francisco, the Bay Area has been a priority for the Avon Foundation, which has awarded grants totaling more than $30 million in the region since 2001 to find solutions to reduce incidence rates and improve patient care.
As Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation for Women, Reese Witherspoon joined area breast cancer experts, survivors and Avon Foundation for Women leaders for a day of events to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center at the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.
After spending time with five local breast cancer survivors who shared their stories of survival thanks in part to the quality care provided by the Center and SFGH, Reese Witherspoon commented, “As a woman, a mother and the Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation, I am grateful on behalf of the women who are being helped today, and the future generations who will benefit tomorrow.”
Ms. Witherspoon also toured the Avon Comprehensive Breast Center at SFGH with Dr. Lori Strachowski, Medical Director of the Center, for a firsthand look at the progress that has been made in access to breast cancer screening and care in San Francisco.
The award-winning actress also listened to the reports of Dr. Judith Luce, Dr. Thea Tlsty and Dr. Susan Love who gave updates on the work of the Avon Comprehensive Breast Center, breast cancer medical research and the Love/Avon Army of Women.
“It was truly a privilege to share this day with those who will bring us closer to a world without breast cancer – the extraordinary scientists and doctors who provide research and care, the Avon Walkers who raise critical funds, and the breast cancer survivors whose stories provide inspiration,” stated Ms. Witherspoon.
To lend personal support, Ms. Witherspoon signed up for the Love/Avon Army of Women, a groundbreaking initiative with the goal of recruiting one million women to partner with breast cancer researchers to determine the causes and prevention of breast cancer.
Ms. Witherspoon ended her day by meeting with top fundraisers of the Avon Walk San Francisco and then kicked off a training walk for several hundred walkers who are preparing for this year’s event on July 11-12.
Since being named Avon Foundation Honorary Chairman in 2007, Reese Witherspoon has been featured in Public Service Announcements; traveled to Japan and Brazil; participated in Avon International Women’s Day events at the United Nations and in Washington, D.C.; and served as a special guest at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Washington, DC in 2008.
Through her work with the Avon Foundation for Women, Ms. Witherspoon turns a spotlight on the causes of domestic violence and breast cancer, and helps raise much needed funds and awareness.
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