BBVA in its commitment against Breast Cancer

BBVA Switzerland took part in the 2019 Pink Ribbon charity run, demonstrating once again its commitment to combating breast cancer. 5,000 runners completed the 4-kilometer course around the Leitzigrund sports stadium in Zurich, showing their support and solidarity against the disease.

BBVA Switzerland employees, including CEO Alfonso Gomez, also took part in the fun run against breast cancer.

The Pink Ribbon organization, which is comprised of volunteers, professionals, patients, and families, organizes a number of events each year, with all proceeds going towards the prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

The September 1st event featured a wide range of activities throughout the day, aimed at highlighting the importance of healthy living, taking regular exercise and going for annual medical check-ups.

As well as the physical difficulties caused by cancer, there is also an important emotional aspect. The condition has a tremendous psychological impact on self-esteem and can cause a strong sense of loneliness. Pink Ribbon’s motto of ‘YOU NEVER WALK ALONE’ conveys a positive message and emphasizes the importance of having a circle of support to lean on.

As tradition dictates, the runners in their pink running tops formed a huge pink ribbon on the stadium grass. This is the internationally recognized symbol for the fight against the disease.

There was also a performance from the Stickstoff-Drummers, a spectacular percussion group who had the crowd clapping and ringing bells. This gave the runners all the energy they needed to pound the streets of Zurich, all the way to the finish line in the stadium itself.

A proverb says: “If you want to walk fast, walk alone.

If you want to walk far, walk with others”

BBVA Switzerland runs a campaign to encourage employees to sign up and take part in the event.

This year’s fun run raised CHF 91,000, all of which will go to the Zurich “KrebsLiga“, which finances support programs for cancer patients and new areas of research.

About 6,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Switzerland every year and about 28,000 in Spain. The Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) has reported that survival rates are rising thanks to early detection and the success of increasingly less invasive and more personalized treatments.