On May 12, I have the pleasure of co-hosting Revlon's eighth annual Walk/Run with actor Dylan McDermott, fellow Revlon spokesperson Karen Duffy and actress Megan Mullally in Los Angeles. This event raises much-needed funds to support breast and ovarian cancer research, awareness and prevention programs. I am proud to show my support for the cancer survivors, their families, and those who were taken away too soon by taking part in this event.
Around the time I got involved with Revlon as spokesperson, the company was beginning to help in the fight against breast cancer. They had just recently become involved with raising funds and awareness for the disease. With the help of my friend Lilly Tartikoff and Dr. Dennis Slamon, Revlon's CEO Ronald Perelman created the Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program and the Revlon Run/Walk for Women. I quickly offered my face and voice to help support the cause.
These three people--Lilly, Ronald Perelman and Dr. Slamon--have been crucial to the advancements made to fight breast and ovarian cancer. Lilly's dedication and energy is endless when it comes to raising money, awareness and support for the cause. Ronald Perelman has been incredibly generous in his donations from both Revlon and the various charities they have created in financing the research for treatments and cures. And Dr. Slamon's development of the drug Herceptin, the first gene-based treatment for breast cancer, through the Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program, has saved the lives of thousands of women.
And since its inception eight years ago, I have been actively involved with the Revlon Run/Walk for Women by not only speaking at the event, but also as a participant. It is such an incredible experience to be surrounded by thousands of people, many of whom are survivors of breast cancer, who are working for the same cause. It is a moment of such incredible strength and bravery to see these women who have or still are struggling with the disease either running or walking in the event. There are also many people who dedicate their participation to a loved one who were lost to this horrible disease.
One of the privileges of being a celebrity is being able to use your name and face to support good causes. And I hope my commitment and participation in this wonderful event inspires people to get involved with the fight against cancer. By seeing all the faces of the people who come out and walk to raise money and support the research, I am positive that we will eventually beat the disease!