Since 1992 when I began The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and co-created the Pink Ribbon with SELF magazine as a symbol of breast health, The BCA Campaign has grown beyond what we could have ever imagined. As of October 2009, we have distributed over 85 million Pink Ribbons and millions of informational brochures and raised millions of dollars for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). I’m incredibly excited to share with you that in 2008, The ELC BCA Campaign, including 15 of our top beauty brands, and our retail partners raised more than $5 million for BCRF, bringing the total funds raised to over $35 million since its inception.

Because breast cancer is being detected earlier, treatment is starting earlier and the rate of survival is steadily increasing. Women around the world are realizing that knowledge is power and therefore, the fear that once surrounded breast cancer is diminishing. Today we are making more progress than ever and reaching more people each year with the message that if a breast cancer is detected early, it’s 98% curable. While the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007 more than 1.3 million people worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer, the good news is that mortality rates continue to fall, and we believe this is due in part to early detection and greater awareness of the importance of breast health.

Our BCA Campaign has had a wonderful and meaningful impact around the world. We have held thousands of successful retail and employee events, as well as illuminated hundreds of landmarks in pink lights through our Global Landmark Illumination Initiative, now celebrating its 10th Anniversary. This year, our World Pink Ribbon Ambassadors, along with politicians and VIP’s including Estée Lauder and BCA Campaign Spokesmodel Elizabeth Hurley will help to illuminate over 200 famous landmarks around the world. Elizabeth has been a tremendous advocate for our efforts over the years, and I am extremely grateful for her continued presence and support. Our World Pink Ribbon Ambassador initiative, which launched in 2008, has grown to comprise over 40 celebrities and politicians designated to raise awareness in their countries and help elevate our Campaign to new heights.

World Pink World Without Breast Cancer. ™ Wear a Pink Ribbon. Make a Difference.
is both a celebration of the incredible work we have done thus far to raise awareness, while sending the strong and important message that we still have to keep the momentum going toward finding a cure. I know that now more than ever, our BCA Campaign will unite people around the world to eradicate breast cancer once and for all.

As we join together for another successful year, I am looking forward to our increased unity in our mission. Without you and our World Pink network of amazing supporters and friends, we would not be where we are today - even closer to making breast cancer a thing of the past.

Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President, the Estee Lauder Companies and Founder of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.