SM Cares successfully held its second Beautiful Girl: Echoes of Strength and Hope event, marking the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a powerful evening of ballet and advocacy. The event, in partnership with the Philippine Ballet Theater, was held to raise awareness of breast cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women in the Philippines.
The night brought together survivors, supporters, and advocates, all united in the fight against breast cancer. Special recognition was given to the survivors in attendance, who were asked to stand and be acknowledged, reminding the audience of the courage, strength, and hope that breast cancer warriors embody.
This year’s Beautiful Girl event went beyond raising awareness through art. SM Cares introduced a charitable component in collaboration with Bingo Plus Foundation and Global Peace Women Foundation, providing a financial grant to the Kasuso Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients and survivors. This grant will allow Kasuso to continue its advocacy and outreach programs, offering much-needed assistance to women battling breast cancer.
Unlike traditional breast cancer awareness campaigns, Beautiful Girl: Echoes of Strength and Hope was a unique and moving experience. Through the grace of ballet, the performance delivered powerful messages of resilience and solidarity. Each movement symbolized the struggles and triumphs of women undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or mastectomies—reinforcing that they remain "beautiful girls," deserving of admiration and unwavering support.
"Together, we can work toward a future where no woman has to fight breast cancer alone," said SM Cares Program Director for Women, Atty. Pearl Joan Jayagan Turleyin closing. With this powerful message, the evening ended with a call to action—reminding all attendees that each of us plays an essential role in this fight.
SM Cares continues to lead the way in promoting women’s health, working tirelessly to ensure that the conversation around breast cancer remains a priority. This event was another step toward a future where breast cancer awareness, support, and early detection save lives.