Despite heavy rains and even heavier traffic, Ryza Cenon (Fantasticman), Vaness del Moral (Zaido), Joseph Marco (New Faces of GMA-7), Rich Asuncion ("Boys Next Door"), and Joy Velasco (New Faces of GMA-7) proved to be troupers for a cause as they went to the Avon-sponsored Breast Care Cancer of the Philippine General Hospital to spend an afternoon with breast cancer survivors.

"Opportunity ito para makatulong ako sa ibang tao na may pangangailangan," said Asuncion, who was among the Final 6 of this year’s "Starstruck. ""In my own little way, at least nakatulong at nakapagpasaya ako," she added. Cenon echoed the sentiment. "Siyempre kahit di mo sila kaano-ano, kailangan pa rin nila ng suporta natin at para palakasin pa yung mga loob nila," she said. "Ngayon, naipakita namin na naniniwala kami sa kakayahan nila at sa katapangan nila sa pagharap sa breast cancer."

Ryza Cenon with PGH patients

After giving words of encouragement, the stars eagerly joined the support group’s weekly games and other activities. For Marco, the interaction was much more meaningful. "Yung nakita ko sa kanila na na-inspire talaga ako, yung spirit nila. Kinakaya at nilalabanan talaga nila yung sakit," he enthused. "Sana wag silang mag-lose ng hope dahil maraming taong nagmamahal at sumusuporta sa kanila." Sharing Marco’s sentiments, Del Moral emphasized how family and friends of those with breast cancer should also have the same spirit and courage in supporting their loved ones. "Malaking tulong na yon sa pasyente, yung makita nila at masabi nila sa sarili na ‘Mahal na mahal nila ako, lalaban pa ‘ko,’ " she declared. "Malaking tulong sa kapwa itong ginagawa ng Avon," she added.

Every year, the global company for women embarks on the Walk Against Breast Cancer, a major component of Avon’s global Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer Crusade. The event raises funds to help strengthen the breast care facilities at PGH as well as donate much-needed beast care equipment to hospitals in far-flung areas. This year, the walk will be held today, Oct. 7 (SM Mall of Asia in Manila), Oct.14 (Melvin Jones Park in Baguio City), and Oct. 21 (Avon branch, Ledesma St., Iloilo City). Those who wish to participate may inquire at any Avon branch in Metro Manila, Dagupan, Baguio, and Iloilo; call the Avon help desk (02) 864-2900 or (02)864-2902; or contact Enrie Legaspi of Stratworks at 7513805/06. This October, Avon also commits to donate P5.00 from the sale of SSS Ultra Healing Hand and Body Lotion. Proceeds will benefit the PGH Breast Care Cancer, the Baguio General Hospital and the Western Visayas Regional Hospital. At the end of the day breast cancer survivor Fran Tolentino spoke on behalf of her friends. "Maraming salamat at nakasama namin kayo," she said. "Tuwing nakikita namin na maraming sumusuporta, lalo kaming tumatapang at lalaban pa kami habang lumalaban din kayo para sa amin."