By: Ashmar Mandou

Famed actress and breast cancer survivor Adamari Lopez is at it, yet again. “Nothing compares to this,” said Lopez, who when arrived in Chicago on September 28 for a day of media interviews, had a minor case of Laryngitis. However, the slight setback did not deter Lopez from her main goal, to raise breast cancer awareness with the help of Yoplait.

“This part of my job is what gives me great joy; a sense of purpose.” Lopez is, of course, referring to her vital role as spokesperson for Yoplait’s Save Lids to Save Lives. But regardless of her physical state, Lopez’s impassioned eyes and eager gestures projected the importance of her mission with Yoplait. “I am devoted to this campaign,” said Lopez.

While promoting the importance of early detection, especially within the Latino community, Yoplait’s campaign encourages women to collect pink lids found on participating General Mills products. For every lid submitted, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “I am always excited for the chance to travel around the country to meet with other survivors, women who have been recently diagnosed, and those who just are out to support the cause,” said Lopez.

Alarmingly, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found among Latina women, who are 2.7 times more likely to have stage IV breast cancer at the time of diagnosis, according to the Center for Disease Control. Just seven years, Lopez battled the disease when doctors diagnosed her with Stage 1 breast cancer. “I still have my moments where I am sad when I think about what I had to go through, especially when I meet with women are going through it now,” said Lopez. “But it’s satisfying when I see in their eyes how much it means to them to have someone listen to them. That’s why I love this campaign so much because not only does it help raise awareness, but it allows women to come together to support one another.”

Recent studies have revealed Latina women are 20 percent more likely to die from the disease than any other ethnic group. Furthermore, Latina women are the least likely to have ever had a mammogram, compared to women of other ethnicities. Throughout the month of October, Lopez and Yoplait are committed to educate and emphasize the importance of early detection and diagnosis among women through Yoplait’s Save Lids to Save Lives campaign. For the past 14 years, Yoplait has supported the fight against breast cancer, giving $34 million to the cause through all of its programs. In her fifth year as spokesperson for Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives, Lopez shared with Lawndale Bilingual Newspaper her key tips to what helped her move towards the road to recovery.

Just Dance
The last thing I want women to do during this hard time is listen to sad ballads or love songs. This is a time when, even though it can seem impossible, your attitude, your mental state is the most important. You have just let go and be happy. Dance when you are physically feeling your best. Listen to catchy music like salsa, for example. And just dance. Move your shoulders and hips and let go.

Girlfriends
What helped me through my treatments was having my family and close friends around me. They were such a great distraction. I know it can be hard for others who have to see their loved ones struggling through breast cancer, but it is extremely important that you don’t always talk about the disease. Sometimes that is the last thing they want to talk about. So I say listen to them on those days they want to talk about it and plan for a great distraction on other days.

Self-Examination
I cannot stress how important it is for women not only to go for regular checkups with their doctors, but also to conduct self-examinations. We have to take charge of our own health, our own bodies. And more mothers and daughters need to start talking about health related issues. Nothing related to health should be off topic. If I could emphasize only a few things through this campaign, it would be to have women become involved through Yoplait’s Save Lids to Save Lives campaign, to have mothers and daughters take charge of their health, and to see more and more women go for their mammograms.

If you would like to become involved in the campaign, clip and collect pink lids found on General Mills products like, Yoplait, Honey Nut Cheerios, Green Giant, Progresso Nature Valley, Pillsbury, and Betty Crocker, among other brands. Place lids together in an envelope or box, and mail it to Save Lids to Save Lives, PO BOX 44903, Atlanta, GA 30336. All lids must be received by June 30, 2013. Include your return address with zip code on the envelope or box. This allows Yoplait to direct your donation to your local Susan G. Komen for the Cure Affiliate. Fore more information or to donate online, visit www.savelidstosavelives.com.