Dublin, 19th September 2017: This October, Skechers is going pink with a purpose by becoming a Pink Patron for the Marie Keating Foundation to help raise funds for the Marie Keating Foundation’s fight against breast cancer. Glenda Gilson stepped forward to show her support for the Marie Keating Foundation in Dublin this week, visiting Skechers on Henry St to launch two styles of limited edition shoes from their YOU by Skechers collection. For each pair of limited edition shoes sold, €5 will be donated to the Marie Keating Foundation to support breast cancer services. The navy and white shoes are available in both slip-on and lace-up styles and are sold at Skechers stores nationwide.
Glenda Gilson, said, “I’ve supported the work of the Marie Keating Foundation for many years and see first-hand the impact they have made to the people of Ireland in their work to “make cancer less frightening by enlightening”. It is fantastic to see such an iconic brand as Skechers come on board to help the Foundation raise awareness and raise funds to support their invaluable services during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I will definitely be wearing my limited edition YOU Skechers to show my support and join the Marie Keating Foundation fight against cancer.”
Funds raised from the Skechers Pink Patron campaign is helping the Foundation to spread awareness about how women can help to reduce their risk of breast cancer and be breast aware, as each year approximately 3,200 women in Ireland are diagnosed with this disease and this number continues to rise. Funding will help the Marie Keating Foundation to continue to run services such as its mobile information units which visit schools, community centres and workplaces around Ireland every day and focus on breast cancer during October. Funds will also help support the Foundation’s Positive Living programme which provides support for the specific emotional and practical needs of people with metastatic cancer.
Linda Keating, Director of Fundraising, the Marie Keating Foundation, said, “We are so thankful to Skechers for joining our Pink Patron initiative and for joining us in our fight against breast cancer. All funds raised are much needed by the Foundation to support our breast cancer services that we to the people of Ireland free of charge”.
About one in four cases of breast cancer is preventable so the funds raised by the Skechers Pink Patron campaign will help the Marie Keating Foundation reach more communities, workplaces, shopping centres and colleges to talk about breast cancer prevention and early detection. The funds will also help us support women already on a breast cancer journey, whether they are currently dealing with the disease or adjusting to life as a survivor.”
Breast cancer in Ireland
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Ireland. Every year around 3,200 cases are diagnosed. The number of breast cancer cases being diagnosed increases each year. According to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland there are more than 33,500 women living with breast cancer in Ireland. Around 690 women die each year from breast cancer in Ireland. It is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer).
Breast cancer is most common in women from 50 years onwards but it can be diagnosed at a younger age. 1 in 10 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Early detection saves lives. If you catch breast cancer when it is in its early stages, it is easier to treat. Become breast aware so you know what looks and feels normal for your breasts and check your breasts monthly for any changes. See your GP straight away if you notice any changes. It is unlikely to be cancer but it is only be speaking to your GP that you can be sure.
Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer, also known as Stage VI, where the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, typically the bones, liver, brain, or lungs. There is currently no cure for metastatic breast cancer. However, there are treatments available to help delay the progression of the disease. To help women with metastatic breast cancer live full and active lives, the Marie Keating Foundation run a series of free Positive Living courses.
