Ralphs Kicks Off Annual #SharingCourage Campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ralphs Grocery Company and its parent company, The Kroger Co., have kicked off their annual #SharingCourage campaign, asking customers to join in the fight against breast cancer by taking action online and in local communities.

Customers are invited to visit www.sharingcourage.com where they can find stories of courage shared by Ralphs and Kroger associates and breast cancer survivors and ways to get involved in their communities.

This year's #SharingCourage breast cancer awareness campaign features Van Nuys resident Violeta Turcios, a resident of Van Nuys and a cashier at the Ralphs store at 14049 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks.

Turcios, a breast cancer survivor, is sharing her survivor story this October on #SharingCourage marketing materials, on the cover of Ralphs newspaper advertisements and on special Breast Cancer Awareness Month signage in Ralphs stores.

The 44-year-old mother of two was diagnosed in 2012. After feeling a lump in her breast, she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. She underwent surgery, and then several months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Today, Turcios continues to be closely monitored and has regular mammograms. But she is cancer free.

"Getting breast cancer changed my life for the better," said Turcios. "I learned that life is full of surprises and it can change in the blink of an eye. I learned to appreciate life and my loved ones to the fullest because we don't know what tomorrow holds. I learned to live and enjoy today like it is the last day."

She is now using her story of survival to encourage others to be aware of their bodies and to talk to a doctor if something doesn't seem right. "I was lucky," Turcios said. "I caught my breast cancer early. I am living proof that self-examinations and regular mammograms work."

Ralphs is proud of Turcios and of all of the company's Associates who have battled breast cancer.

"On behalf of the Ralphs team, we thank Violeta for her willingness to share her journey as a breast cancer survivor," said Ralphs President Donna Giordano. "It's an honor to have one of our great people featured in this year's #SharingCourage campaign as she encourages others to take charge of their own health."

Kroger's family of stores, including Ralphs supermarkets in Southern California, and supporting partners together have committed $3 million towards breast cancer research, detection and treatment this year. Since 2006, Kroger, Ralphs and their partners have donated more than $27 million to the fight.

In addition, during the month of October, Kroger, Ralphs and Yoplait together will donate $1 to the American Cancer Society (up to $20,000) for every tweet or Facebook post that uses #SharingCourage and #FriendsInTheFight.

About Ralphs

Ralphs Grocery Company was founded in 1873 and currently operates 228 supermarkets from its headquarters in Los Angeles. Last year, Ralphs contributed more than $6 million to support education, hunger relief, women's health and local nonprofit organizations in the communities served by the company's stores. Ralphs is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., (NYSE:KR), one of the nation's largest food retailers, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more about Ralphs, please visit our web site at www.ralphs.com.

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SOURCE Ralphs Grocery Company