The
countdown to the cycling tour that will save at least 500 Filipino women from
cervical cancer has begun.
Now,
about a hundred anti-cervical cancer campaigners are getting in shape for The
Tour of Hope 2011 - 500: Going the Xtra Mile Against Cervical Cancer, which is
one of the most challenging cycling tours in the country. Organized by
Bravehearts in partnership with Team David’s Salon and GlaxoSmithKline, this
year’s Tour of Hope aims to provide cervical cancer vaccinations for 500 women
during its 5-day tour.
In
a country where cervical cancer claims the lives of 3,807 women every year[1],
the need to fight this deadly but preventable disease has only grown stronger
over the years.
Since
The Tour of Hope started in 2008, it has generated approximately Php 2 million
through sponsorships and pledges. These were then used for cervical cancer
screening programs and lectures with the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network
(CECAP).
However,
if you think that The Tour of Hope is all about the bikers, think again. Over
the past two years, the event organizers have formed partnerships with local
government units such as those of Tarlac, Dagupan, Pampanga, La Union, and
Baguio in order to conduct lectures during each stopover of the tour to local
communities containing marginalized groups with poor health-seeking behavior.
What’s in Store for The Tour of Hope 2011
“Over
the past two years, The Tour of Hope has been perceived as a cycling tour first
and an anti-cervical cancer fundraising event second, when in fact it should be
the other way around,” explains Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, Bravehearts president.
“For this year’s Tour of Hope, we are not just focusing on increasing awareness
about the disease, we also want to encourage people, especially women out
there, to take action against cervical cancer.”
Aside
from the challenging journey, The Tour of Hope has always been known for
bringing its participants to scenic locations such as Vigan, Zambales, and
Camarines Sur. This year is no exception. The Tour of Hope 2011 - 500: Going
the Xtra Mile Against Cervical Cancer will kick off at the TriNoMa Mall in
Quezon City on May 28, 2011.
The
first stop will be at Tarlac City, Tarlac. It is the home of President Noynoy
Aquino’s ancestral house and Mount Pinatubo, where adventure-seeking 4x4 wheel
drivers try their skills, and hikers visit the crater. The tour will then
continue
to
San Fernando, La Union, where the renowned La Union Botanical Gardens is
located. Afterwards, the bikers will head to Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, where
historical churches and ancestral homes that reflect the beauty of old world
architecture can be found. The fourth stop will be Laoag City, Ilocos Norte,
where tourists often visit the Juan Luna Shrine. There, visitors can get a
glimpse of the award-winning Spolarium painter’s
life through vintage photographs and household artifacts.
The final stop for this year’s Tour of Hope is Paoay, where bikers will
get to see the unique blend of Spanish, Chinese, and architecture represented
by Paoay Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The last leg
of the tour will feature celebrity bikers such as Matteo Guidicelli, Sen. Pia
Cayetano, Marvin Kiefer, Rovilson Fernandez, Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles, Will
Devaughn, Richie Hardin, Richard Herrera, Janna Victoria, Jeena Lopez, Gem
Padilla - Thomas, Anthony Pangilinan, and David Charlton. They will be lending
their star power to draw attention to a good cause. In addition to that, Tessa
Prieto – Valdes is also currently working on a special project that will also
help raise funds for cervical cancer prevention.
“I
would like to invite everyone to sign up for The Tour of Hope 2011,” says
Arenas-de Leon. “Not only is it good for your health, your participation will
undoubtedly help change and save the lives of thousands of women all over the
Philippines.”
Bravehearts is a non-profit organization initially led by the Cervical Cancer
Prevention Network (CECAP) for the Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF). It is
dedicated to raising awareness on cervical cancer prevention and is supported
by a growing number of women, including prominent personalities such as Abbygale
Arenas-de Leon, who is the current president of the organization, Senator Loren
Legarda, Pia Magalona, Ellen Tordesillas, Tessa Prieto – Valdes, Jeena Lopez,
Maimai Davao, Joyette Jopson, and Suzi Entrata. For further inquiries, please
email braveheartsphilippines@gmail.com. To be a part of The Tour of Hope 2011 – 500: Going the
Xtra Mile Against Cervical Cancer, please email Joyette Jopson at
joyette.jopson@gmail.com or contact her at 0917-8827352.