Eva Mendes Shares First Ever Selfie In Aid Of Cancer Patient

While most celebrity selfies are a dime a dozen, Fast and Furious 5 actress Eva Mendes has waited until now to unveil her first ever publicly shared selfie — and for a good cause. Unlike many big name celebrities, Mendes has been a little light on the social media front in the past, and is now using that to her advantage in order to garner support for 17-month-old cancer patient Andrew Wilson.

Eva Mendes, 41, posted the flawless selfie to both Instagram and Facebook on May 20, wearing a cancer ribbon t-shirt reading “Hope and prayers for Andrew Wilson,” urging fans to help the young patient’s family, and promising to sign and give away the shirt to one lucky person generous enough to donate towards the toddler’s treatment.

Mendes is no stranger to the disease and has made several heartfelt gestures to raise awareness of, and support for, cancer patients. The cause is close to the actress’ heart, not simply for being a compassionate person, but due to her brother, Juan Carlos Mendes, having been diagnosed with the disease earlier this year.

In January, Mendes stepped out just four months after the birth of her daughter with partner Ryan Gosling, Esmeralda Amada, to attend the Stand Up to Cancer event hosted by actor and presenter James Corden. The event raised over $16 million in one evening, with many high profile attendees, including Robert Downey Jr. and Matthew McConaughey.

Along with her selfie, Eva shared a photo of adorable Andrew Wilson beaming, despite his difficult circumstance. “He has been undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma cancer,” Mendes explained, describing the boy to be a “ball of energy” and “very special” to her.

“His family has spent the last year going through every parent’s worst nightmare as they watch their little boy endure gruelling treatment and they need our help.”

Alongside her efforts to raise awareness of cancer, Mendes has actively supported several other charitable causes. Eva acted as an official games spokesman for the Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai, China, as well as attending PETA‘s 30th Anniversary Gala in 2010.

While the selfie remains to this day to be a controversial practice, viewed as an illustration of pure vanity by many, Eva Mendes has shown how powerful the photos can be. You can read all about Andrew Wilson and help his family in their continued battle with the disease by donating to the “Our Little Warrior” campaign here.

[Image Credit: Evan Agostini]