After nearly two decades, Elizabeth Hurley still finds herself dressed in pink in October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
She's been the face of the Estee Lauder's breast-cancer awareness and fundraising efforts for 18 years.
"This is a part of my life. I look forward to the month. Over the years, my commitment has become more significant," Hurley said.
Hurley, 47, was at the Empire State Building this week wearing a plunge V-neck, gathered-waist Issa jersey dress to flip the switch to turn the lights pink. She did it two years ago with Evelyn Lauder, who died last November.
Lauder co-founded the Pink Ribbon Campaign 20 years ago, and since then, more than 122 million free pink ribbons have been handed out at department-store cosmetic counters as a reminder about breast health and the research being done for a cure, Hurley said.
"We were a great double act. This is bittersweet.
She was a wonderful person, and I hope a little bit rubbed off on me."
Without Lauder, Hurley finds herself busier this month, with planned stops in Toronto, London and Paris, among others. The campaign reaches 70 countries.
The campaign has found much success raising money for research: $35 million so far, Hurley said, though, it's with each mammogram made by a woman who might otherwise have forgotten or resisted to make that call for her appointment that she feels a greater sense of accomplishment.
