Avon Helps Found First Breast Cancer Support Center in Russia
Photo: St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow, Russia
Avon Products, the second-largest direct seller in the world, announced the grand opening of the first Breast Cancer Support Centre in Moscow, Russia, to provide support for women with breast cancer.
The center, called Vmeste (meaning “together”), was founded by London-based Avon Products and the National Women’s Health Care Foundation and aims to help 20,000 women a year with free comprehensive psychological, social, legal, well-being and rehabilitation support.
More than 60,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in Russia. The new center will use the latest rehabilitation techniques to help many of these women, their families and loved ones overcome the effects of a breast cancer diagnosis and help them return to normal life.
The Vmeste Centre was officially opened by Avon CEO Jan Zijderveld. “Supporting women’s health and well-being is part of our DNA,” said Zijderveld. “Across our network of 6 million Avon Representatives globally we’re committed to improving the lives of women, their families, communities and, ultimately, the world. Through the Avon Breast Cancer Promise, we educate women about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and make sure they know where to go for help. To date, we’ve educated 180 million women and funded more than 20 million breast screenings. And we promise to do more.”
Oksana Moldavanova, president of the National Women’s Health Care Foundation said, “In the new center we have gathered high-level professionals to show women that cancer is not a death sentence. Thanks to the advances in modern medicine, this disease is often treatable. Life goes on after a diagnosis is made, and our goal is to help women make it as interesting and fulfilling as it was before.”
“The opening of Vmeste is a historical step in the development of a culture of rehabilitation and health care for Russian women,” said Elena Starkova, general manager of Avon Russia and Eastern Europe. “Avon has been present in the Russian market for 25 years and for more than 15 of those years, we’ve been dedicated to supporting the breast cancer cause. Avon has offered screenings to 75,000 women and has educated millions about the disease. We’ve done a lot but there’s more to do and this new center represents a big step towards doing that.”