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Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Returns to Boston on May 14-15Thousands of Participants from New England and Across the U.S. are “In It to End It” in the 9th Annual Weekend-long Event to Raise Life-saving Funds and Breast Cancer Awareness Boston, MA, May 2, 2011 — The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer returns for the ninth year to the Boston, MA area on May 14-15. The Avon Walk brings together thousands of women and men, including breast cancer survivors, dedicated to raising significant funds and awareness for the breast cancer cause. Last year’s Avon Walk Boston raised more than $5.8 million and attracted more than 2,600 participants from 47 states, France and Bermuda, including 228 breast cancer survivors. 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 raise at least $1,800 for the breast cancer cause. The Avon Foundation for Women distributes funds raised to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations, including Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/Harvard Comprehensive Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Tufts University. The Avon Foundation for Women has awarded more than $43.7 million to organizations and institutions in the New England area. The Avon Walk Boston is the third of nine walks in the 2011 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series. The Avon Walk Boston begins Saturday, May 14 with an inspirational Opening Ceremony at the University of Massachusetts Boston Campus Center, Circle Lawn, including an announcement of funds raised. After the ceremony, walkers begin the first portion of their walk of either a marathon or a marathon and a half through the greater Boston area, supported by an all-volunteer crew and cheered by family and supporters along the route. All participants have their own unique and personal stories to tell. Among those in the Avon Walk Boston, are Cindy Payne, Lisa Ortolani and Lynne Hawkes – a trio of sisters who comprise team “Lynne and the A-Cup.” These three women walk for their mother, who is a breast cancer survivor. All walkers unite throughout the weekend to become one, sharing their triumphs and tribulations, while working towards the common goal of putting an end to breast cancer. After a full day of walking on Saturday, participants, including walkers and crew, spend the night at the “Wellness Village” at the Reebok World Headquarters in Canton, MA, 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 and a spa zone with mini back and foot massages. On Sunday, May 15, walkers complete their final 13.1 miles, celebrating their achievement at the Closing Ceremony back at the University of Massachusetts Boston Campus Center with thousands of family and friends. During the ceremony, the Avon Foundation for Women will award new grants to breast cancer organizations in the New England area to ensure funds immediately benefit the community. For interview requests, more information, or to register or donate, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 888-541-WALK. For continuous updates, follow us on Twitter at “avonwalks,” or visit our Facebook page. About the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer About the Avon Foundation for Women
Remember: early detection can help save lives. Discuss breast cancer screening with your doctor. Make informed decisions about
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