October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I know that you have probably been made aware of a lot of great work to bring awareness to this monster of a cancer but I could not let this month pass without extolling the amazing work of probably one of my biggest role models; my dear cousin in the Philippines, breast cancer survivor and founder of iCanServe Foundation.
This month Swatch has teamed up with iCanServe to create this watch.
The Philippines has the highest incidence of breast cancer in Southeast Asia and ranks 9th in the world in breast cancer incidence (source). And because of the cost of treatment many women remain untreated.
“ICanServe advocates early breast cancer detection through screening programs that train community health workers in clinical breast examination. It embarks on high impact information campaigns to spread hope and dispel fear.”
My cousin started iCanServe with 3 other breast cancer survivors. In 2003 the 4 friends published ICANSERVE: A Network of People, Places and Services for the Philippine Breast Cancer Community. They distributed it for free and it was the first listing of services available in the Philippine breast cancer community.
In 2008 iCanServe started the first comprehensive community-based breast cancer screening program called Ating Dibdibin. The program includes training medical teams of a city to providing free or subsidized cancer treatments. Ating Dibdibin is ICANSERVE’s flagship program.
My cousin is a beautiful woman who really is trying to make her community better and I could not be more proud of all the things she’s accomplished.
The watches are sold in the Philippines but you can purchase one online by contacting iCanServe HERE.
Wow, your cousin sounds amazing!! I wish many blessings on iCANServe as they strive to help those affected by breast cancer, as well as prevent it. That watch is so cute!
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this is so amazing! I had no idea you’re cousin was a breast cancer survivor, that is remarkable! She gorgeous too btw 🙂 What an amazing woman she must be!
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You must be so proud of your cousin! iCanServe seems like it’s doing a lot of good for a lot of women!
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My mother died of breast cancer almost ten years ago. I absolutely HATE this disease. It makes me so happy to see the great work that is being done to raise awareness and search for a cure. Kudos to your cousin for having a positive impact on so many others struggling with breast cancer. She is impressive!
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She is so impressive, and friend I did not know that is how you lost your. I HATE hate hate this disease too. It is really impossible to find someone who has not been effective by how mean it is.
LOVE YOU Yvonne.