NEW YORK (December 19, 2007) - Underscoring its continued commitment to advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, the Avon Foundation today announced the 2008 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer schedule. For the first time in Avon Walk history, the series will expand into a ninth market - Houston - to build upon the momentum of a record-breaking 2007 Avon Walk season. Last year alone, nearly 20,000 participants raised more than $47 million, making 2007 the most successful Avon Walk series in its five-year history. Since the launch of the Avon Walk in 2003, nearly $200 million has been raised through the dedication of 75,000 participating women and men.

"The Avon Foundation awards grants nationally, but we are hoping to bring even more support to the fight against breast cancer in the Southwest with our inaugural Houston event," said Avon Foundation Executive Director Carol Kurzig. "By adding a ninth city to the 2008 Avon Walk schedule, we're anticipating our largest turnout and most successful fundraising year to date."

The complete 2008 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer schedule includes: Houston, TX (April 12-13); Washington, DC (May 3-4); Boston, MA (May 17-18); Chicago, IL (May 31-June 1); Rocky Mountains, CO (June 28-29); San Francisco, CA (July 12-13); Los Angeles, CA (September 13-14); New York, NY (October 4-5); and Charlotte, NC (October 25-26).

The Avon Walks are non-competitive weekend fundraising walks for all fitness levels that require a significant commitment from participants. Each walker is required to raise at least $1,800 in donations and undertake months of training to prepare to tackle the course, which offers the option of covering a marathon (26 miles) or a marathon and a half (39 miles) over two days. Among the walkers' ranks in 2007 were men and women of all ages, from all 50 states and many other countries, including more than 1,700 breast cancer survivors. This large, diverse group was united by their shared desire to eradicate breast cancer and help those touched by the disease.

During an Avon Walk weekend, on Saturday participants have the choice of walking 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Both walkers and volunteer crew spend Saturday night at the "Wellness Village," featuring two-person sleeping tents, hot showers, prepared meals and support services. On Sunday, walkers complete another 13.1 miles that culminates in a meaningful closing ceremony and the presentation of local grants.

The Avon Walk series is a project of the Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, and funds raised are distributed by the Foundation to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved. During the 2007 Avon Walk closing ceremonies, the Foundation immediately awarded a total of nearly 50 grants ranging from $100,000 to over $6 million to leading cancer centers, research institutions and community-based organizations in the Walk regions, with additional grants awarded nationally throughout the year. For a complete list of Avon Foundation funding, visit www.avonfoundation.org.

For more information or to register for an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, visitwww.avonwalk.org or call 888-540-WALK.

###

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer thanks National Sponsor: Reebok; Official Sponsors: Genentech BioOncology, Novartis Oncology and Prevention Magazine; and Official Water: FIJI

Remember: early detection can help save lives. Schedule your mammogram or clinical breast exam today. For more breast cancer information and resources, visitwww.cancer.org (keyword breast cancer) or www.avonfoundation.org, where you can access free printable breast cancer informational literature.