Cancer does not discriminate. It does not care about your gender, skin color, or age. Nor does it care if you are rich or poor. Cancer has one focus and one goal – to damage and to destroy.
Cancer is devious and can creep up on a person slowly and insidiously, or it can arrive aggressively and suddenly. Either way, it is a powerful enemy and should never be underestimated.
Maria Vittoria Cusumano has made it her business never to underestimate cancer. The tireless crusader for women’s rights and breast cancer awareness knows that the fight against the deadly disease is as fierce and vital as it’s ever been.
It is why when she was appointed as a health ambassador for Komen Italia, she relished the opportunity to play her part in fighting the good fight.
“Breast cancer is something which should be a concern for every female on the planet,” explained the 28-year-old. “Being aware of the symptoms and what to look for can make all the difference. I’ve always been a passionate advocate that prevention really is key in combating cancer, and am particularly proud that Komen Italia invited me on board to help spread the word and play my part.”
Born in Bonn, Germany, but grown up in New York and Rome, Cusumano is a citizen of the world who, with 300,000 followers on Instagram, is more familiar as a social influencer and key figure in the fashion industry than an advocate for women’s health. However, with her new role as spokesperson for Komen Italia, that is slowly changing.
“Fashion has always been a passion of mine,” said Cusumano, who is also the owner and manager of a popular digital fashion magazine, MVC. “Yet as a woman, I am also deeply passionate about women’s rights and their health. I believe lifestyle and awareness play an integral role in fighting breast cancer, and I am keen to get this message out, particularly to all my social media followers.”
Cusumano uses her role as a Komen Italia spokesperson to urge more and more women to lead a healthy lifestyle, as studies show this is a critical factor in helping prevent cancer.
“I’m a big believer in keeping active, staying fit, and eating a balanced diet,” says Cusumano. “Not only does this help prevent disease, but it’s important to keep your body in tip-top condition to fight off any tumors that may form.”
Mary added, “I believe it is particularly important for young ladies under the age of 30 to seriously take the threat of cancer and start adapting their lifestyles to reflect this. I know when you’re young, you may think, ‘It’ll never happen to me!’ But it can, and it does, and that’s why it is never too early to put preventive measures in place. I urge everyone to take their health seriously; it is so very important. Together we are strong, and I believe that collective strength, awareness, and the measures we can all implement, will one day beat cancer for good.”