The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announced its 2019 campaign to fund breast cancer research with the hashtag #TimeToEndBreastCancer.
Estée Lauder has been inspired to fund cancer research and awareness for the past 27 years, citing the statistic that every 15 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Evelyn H. Lauder co-created the Pink Ribbon and started The Breast Cancer Campaign in 1992. A year later, she founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which is dedicated to advancing the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer. The Campaign has raised more than $79 million to support global research, education and medical services through the collective support of consumers, employees and partners worldwide, with more than $65 million funding 260 medical research grants through BCRF. This year, The Campaign aims to raise another $9 million globally.
The company also reported that mortality rates from breast cancer have declined by 40% among women since the late 1980s and that five-year survival rates are better than 90% with early detection.
“The Breast Cancer Campaign is an expression of the best of what we do as a company,” said William P. Lauder, executive chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “My mother, Evelyn Lauder, had a vision to end breast cancer when she started The Campaign in 1992. Since then, we have been pioneers in the breast cancer movement, driven by our passionate employees, partners and consumers around the world. I am so proud that her legacy lives on as we remain committed to making sustainable investments in research, education and medical services to bring us closer to eradicating this disease.”
The company stated that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and is increasing particularly in developing countries where the majority of cases are diagnosed in late stages.
As part of The Campaign, the company aims to:
- Launch a new social media call to action to rally supporters around the world to participate and raise funds;
- Donate $25 (up to $250,000) for every public, in-feed Instagram post during the month of October featuring both #TimeToEndBreastCancer and #ELCdonates together;
- Illuminate buildings, monuments and landmarks worldwide in glowing pink lights to raise awareness of breast health, including the Empire State Building in New York City, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto;
- Distribute informational brochures and pink ribbons at The Estée Lauder Companies’ beauty brand counters worldwide;
- Mobilize 48,000 employees to positively impact communities and unite in action
- Drive donations to BCRF through the website.
“I am honored to represent The Breast Cancer Campaign and help bring attention to the powerful work The Estée Lauder Companies does each year to unify and activate the global community around the cause,” said Elizabeth Hurley, The Campaign’s global ambassador. “Every time someone shares with me that they got a mammogram because they heard our messages, or unfortunately tells me that they have been diagnosed with breast cancer, I’m reminded of why we must continue Evelyn’s mission. I’ve seen research we are funding in action, spoken to many leaders in the field and know how hopeful they all remain. We are making real progress towards a cure and must continue to fund that advancement!”
“The Estée Lauder Companies has long been committed to making an impact on communities around the world, and our efforts through The Breast Cancer Campaign are a reflection of that purpose and underscore the Company’s family values and culture,” said Fabrizio Freda, president and chief executive officer of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “We will continue to strive towards fulfilling the mission of The Campaign to create a breast cancer-free world.”
This year, 19 of the The Estée Lauder Companies’ beauty brands will support The Campaign’s mission: AERIN, Aveda, BECCA, Bobbi Brown, Bumble and bumble, Clinique, Darphin, DKNY, Donna Karan, Estée Lauder, GLAMGLOW, Jo Malone London, La Mer, Lab Series, Origins, Prescriptives, RODIN olio lusso, Smashbox and Tom Ford Beauty. Each will contribute by selling Pink Ribbon Products or making donations to BCRF and/or other charitable organizations around the world. The assortment differs by country and organization.
