Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Returns to Charlotte on October 22-23

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Returns to Charlotte on October 22-23

Thousands of Participants from the Carolinas and Across the U.S. are “In It to End It” in the 7th Annual Weekend-long Event to Raise Life-saving Funds and Breast Cancer Awareness

Charlotte, October 12, 2011 — The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer returns for the seventh year to Charlotte on October 22-23. 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 Charlotte raised more than $2.3 million and attracted more than 1,100 participants from 34 states and Washington, D.C – as well as Canada, Bermuda and Trinidad & Tobago - including 120 breast cancer survivors.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer 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. The Avon Foundation has awarded more than $12.3 million to organizations and institutions in the Carolinas alone. Past beneficiaries include the Shanti Project, Zero Breast Cancer, Project Open Hand, and Stanford University.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Charlotte, the last of nine walks in the 2011 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, begins Saturday, October 22 with an inspirational Opening Ceremony at Frazier Park, 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 Charlotte, 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 Charlotte are Wendy Capadia of Cary, NC, a breast cancer survivor who was first diagnosed with cancer in college, and is now a wife, mother, teacher and team captain of “Tiny Ta Tas;” Leigh Ann Conrad of Irmo, SC, an 11 year survivor who walks with her two daughters; and Carrie Bullard of Raleigh, NC, who walks in honor of her sister who passed away last year, and for her two daughters. 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 Park Road Park, which features two-person pink 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, October 23, walkers complete their final 13.1 miles, celebrating their achievement at the Closing Ceremony at Frazier Park in Charlotte, with thousands of family and friends. During the ceremony, the Avon Foundation for Women will award new grants to breast cancer organizations in the Carolinas 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
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series is a project of the Avon Foundation for Women, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Since its launch in 2003, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series has raised more than $400 million through the dedication of more than 150,000 participating women and men from across the country, including hundreds of Avon Associates and Representatives. The Avon Foundation awards the funds raised to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations to support breast cancer awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, and scientific research. The Walks take place in nine cities, covering 39 miles in two days, and raise significant awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Series is the largest fund-raising event for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Since the Crusade launched in 1992, Avon breast cancer programs in more than 50 countries have donated more than $700 million for research and advancing access to care, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.
 
The complete 2011 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer schedule included: Houston (April 16-17), Washington, DC (April 30-May 1), Boston (May 14-15), Chicago (June 4-5), Rocky Mountains, CO (June 25 – 26), San Francisco (July 9 – 10), Santa Barbara (September 17-18), New York City (October 15-16), and Charlotte, NC (October 22-23).

About the Avon Foundation for Women
The Avon Foundation for Women, the world’s largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Avon also responds generously to provide support for relief and recovery efforts in times of major natural disasters and emergencies.  

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer thanks National Sponsor: Reebok; Official Sponsors: Genentech BioOncology, OtterBox and Orion Trading; Local Sponsors: Groupon, Humana, South Charlotte Oral Facial Surgery, Metso Power, Carolina's Chefs, PreGel America; and Medical Sponsor: Levine Cancer Institute

Remember, early detection helps save lives.  Talk to your doctor about your risk, risk-reduction strategies and what age to start mammography. For more breast cancer information and resources, visit cancer.org or avonfoundation.org.  And don't forget, men can get breast cancer too.

Follow the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on Facebook (www.facebook.com/avonwalks)  and Twitter (twitter.com/avonwalks).

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