Singapore, 25 September 2008 – Ten female Members of Parliament (MPs) have stepped up to champion Singapore’s first-ever “Women Against Cancer” initiative – a cause supported by the Great Eastern Women 10K run. This initiative is spearheaded by Enterprise Sports Group (ESG) and Great Eastern. In their support for the cause, the MPs are calling upon runners, corporations and members of the public to contribute generously through the Great Eastern Women 10K website.

“We are fellow women standing out against cancer; it is a cause which we are all deeply committed to. Hopefully, more people will utilise this platform to come forward and pledge their support,” said Jessie Phua, Nominated Member of Parliament.

The ten women MPs include Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Transport; Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development & Ministry of Education; Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC; Dr Amy Khor, Mayor, South West District, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources & Deputy Government Whip; Indranee Rajah, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC; Fatimah Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC; Ellen Lee, MP for Sembawang GRC; Jessica Tan, MP for East Coast GRC; Josephine Teo, MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC; and Jessie Phua, NMP.

With a target to raise $100,000 this year, the Women Against Cancer campaign will channel the funds towards Breast Cancer Foundation and Singapore’s first Cervical Cancer Prevention Fund, which provide education to women and aid to needy victims.

Mrs Fang Ai Lian, Chairman of Great Eastern, said, “The Great Eastern Women 10K has grown beyond just a platform to promote healthy living and bonding. What better way to raise funds for and enhance awareness of breast and cervical cancers – the top two cancers affecting women today – than through an all-women sporting event.”

Added Terence Khoo, Managing Director of ESG, co-organiser of the drive and overall organiser of the race, “The Great Eastern Women 10K is not all about the runners, spectators and sponsors — it also stands for a cancer cause. Women Against Cancer is a great opportunity for all of us to give back to society.”

Cancer survivor participants
A record 10,000 runners have signed up for this year’s event. Among them will be a number of cancer survivors, notably Koh Chieng Mun, one of Singapore’s most well known and loved comedic actresses.

On her participation in the race, Chieng Mun explained: “As a cancer survivor, I want to take part in the Great Eastern Women 10K race which supports a worthy cause. Greater cancer awareness and education among women can help affected victims seek medical attention earlier. It was early detection that saved my life.”

Donation procedures
All Great Eastern Women 10K runners and the public can show their support for Women Against Cancer by donating their preferred sum. Donations can be made online at www.women10k.com/ or via cheque to Enterprise Sports Group Pte Ltd which is located at 257B Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259699. At the back of the cheque, please indicate “Donation for Women Against Cancer”.

Quotes from MPs on why they are supporting Women Against Cancer

“Women play a key role in our society and families. They often provide the courage and strength needed to hold the family together in times of crisis. Hence, when women are struck by cancer, the impact on their loved ones can be devastating. This initiative to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cervical Cancer Prevention Fund will benefit cancer patients and their families. More importantly, it will educate our female population about cancer prevention. It is deserving of our support. I have seen how cancer ravages the lives of men, women and children. It is painful and disabling. It is equally traumatic and heart-wrenching for their loved ones. Early detections will help save lives. Let us help fight the disease, lessen the pain and increase the hope of survival.” - Yu-Foo Yee Shoon

“It is only right for all women to support this cause. There is power and unity in numbers and women need to come together to garner collaborative support whether through support groups, counseling, volunteering, increasing our own understanding and being aware. Being a medical specialist myself and seeing cancer patients come in daily with multiple complications and issues, whether medical or social…is sure enough to make me support this wholeheartedly.” - Dr Fatimah Lateef

“Every woman is precious, whether she is a homemaker or a career woman. As she tends to dismiss her ‘discomfort’ as tolerable, she may not realize that it could be cancerous. We must raise her awareness through such campaigns and save more lives.” – Ellen Lee

“Cancer hits people in the most unexpected ways, as it did my domestic helper Carmen.  Early this year, Carmen was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She was devastated – there was no known history of cancer in her family and she was always in the pink of health.  Fortunately, with early detection and medical intervention, Carmen is recovering well.  I support “Women Against Cancer” because we must raise awareness and equip women with knowledge to fight this dreaded disease.” – Josephine Teo

“I lost my mom through cancer.  I support the ‘Women Against Cancer’ movement as I believe awareness & education are crucial to beat this silent killer.” – Jessie Phua