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Eighth Annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Returns to San Francisco on July 10-11
New York, NY, July 6, 2010— The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer returns for the eighth year to San Francisco, CA, on July 10-11, bringing together thousands of women and men, including breast cancer survivors, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the breast cancer cause. The Avon Walk series, which launched nationwide in 2003, offers participants a choice of walking a marathon (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over a weekend, and requires walkers to commit to raise at least $1,800. The Avon Foundation for Women distributes funds raised to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations. Last year’s Avon Walk for Breast Cancer San Francisco raised $6 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, drawing 2,800 participants and crew from 42 states, including 256 survivors. In total, the Avon Foundation has awarded more than $32 million to organizations and institutions in Northern California.
The Avon Walk San Francisco is the sixth of nine 2010 Avon Walks, following successful events in Houston, TX; Washington, D.C.; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado that have raised more than $32 million so far. The San Francisco Walk begins Saturday, July 10, with an inspirational Opening Ceremony at Fort Mason, including the announcement of funds raised.
Walkers have the choice of walking a half or full marathon through the San Francisco area, supported by an all-volunteer crew and cheered by family and supporters along the route. Walkers and crew spend the night at the “Wellness Village” at Crocker Amazon Park, which features two-person sleeping tents, hot showers, prepared meals, entertainment, volunteer medical services and comprehensive support services, along with leisure activities such as relaxing yoga to stretch out the muscles, a spa zone with mini-back-and-foot-massages, and “tool school 101” demonstrations from sponsor Tomboy Tools. On Sunday, July 11, walkers complete their final 13.1 miles, celebrating their achievement at the Closing Ceremony back at Fort Mason, with thousands of family and friends.
All participants have their own unique and personal stories to tell. Among those in the Avon Walk San Francisco are Mara Langer, 42, from San Mateo, who is a two-time breast cancer survivor who lost both her mother and grandmother to breast cancer; Chereamie Bichoff, a 75-year-old breast cancer survivor from Oakland; and Martha Elder Domont, 57, a five-year breast cancer survivor from San Anselmo, who will walk her 500th mile to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer at the Avon Walk San Francisco. Mara, Chereamie and Martha unite throughout the weekend with thousands of walkers, crew and volunteers to become one, sharing their triumphs and challenges, while working towards the shared goal of eradicating breast cancer.
About the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer The Avon Walk series is a project of the Avon Foundation for Women, a 501(c)(3) public charity; the Foundation distributes funds raised to advance access to care and to help find a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved. On stage during the nine 2009 Avon Walk closing ceremonies, the Avon Foundation awarded more than 60 grants ranging from $5,000 to $1.25 million to leading cancer centers, research institutions and community-based organizations in the Walk regions. In addition, the Avon Foundation awarded more than 200 grants nationally throughout the year. For a complete list of Avon Foundation funding, visit http://www.avonfoundation.org/funding-and-grants/.
In total, since the launch of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in 2003, the Walks have raised more than $345 million through the dedication of nearly 120,000 participants, including women and men ranging in age from their teens to those in their 80s, from every walk of life. These funds advance awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research, all with a focus on the medically underserved.
For more information, or to register or donate, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 888-541-WALK.
About the Avon Foundation for Women The Avon Foundation for Women was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women, and brings this mission to life through focus on two key issues: breast cancer and domestic violence. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade launched in 1992, and Avon breast cancer programs in some 50 countries have raised more than $640 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved. Funding is awarded to beneficiaries ranging from leading cancer centers to community-based breast health programs to support five critical areas: awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research. Fundraising is through a variety of “pink ribbon” products, events, races and walks; the largest is the U.S. Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series.
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer thanks National Sponsors: Reebok and Genentech BioOncology; and Official Sponsors: Tomboy Tools, Yoga Journal and Otterbox.
Remember: early detection can help save lives. Discuss breast cancer screening with your doctor. Make informed decisions about what age to start mammography. Get to know your risk and risk reduction strategies. For more breast cancer information and resources, visit www.cancer.org (keyword breast cancer) or www.avonfoundation.org, where you can access free printable breast cancer informational literature.
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