Mauie Flores

500 kilometers in 5 days to save 500 lives. This is the challenge that is in store for the dedicated cyclists of the Tour of Hope 2011 which is happening starting on May 28, 2011. This year's Tour of Hope aims to raise funds for cervical cancer prevention vaccination drives and seminars. And yes, during the tour from Manila to Paoay, Ilocos Norte, 500 women will receive a vaccine against cervical cancer.


The Tour of Hope is organized by Bravehearts in partnership with Team David’s Salon and GlaxoSmithKline. As explained by Bravehearts prexy, Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, the tour aims to inspire women to take action against cervical cancer. The sad truth is, cervical cancer claims the lives of 12 women in the Philippines everyday. Meanwhile, Dr. Cecilia Llave who is Program Director of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) explains that cervical cancer is highly treatable especially when diagnosed early. Not only that, living a healthy lifestyle and getting vaccinated helps in its prevention.

Abbygale Arenas-De Leon posing together with the newly-vaccinated bikers, Lily Lomague (left) and Marge Buot (right) after the ceremonial vaccine of bikers.

Since its start in 2008, The Tour of Hope has helped raise around 2 million pesos to help finance cervical cancer screening programs and lectures. Moreover, the event organizers have formed partnerships with local government units to conduct lectures during each stopover of the tour to local communities with marginalized groups who display poor health-seeking behavior.

Team David Salon led by David’s Salon owner David Charlton and Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdes are well known supporters of The Tour of Hope. This year, Team David Salon will again join the fight against cervical cancer while Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdes will organize a separate fundraising activity for Bravehearts.

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 and its first stop is in Tarlac City. Then the cyclists will ride through La Union, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Laog City in Ilocos Norte, and finally in Paoay where the bikers will get to see the Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.


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