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Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Returns to Washington, D.C. April 30 - May 1Thousands of Participants from Washington, D.C. and Across the U.S. are “In It to End It” in 9th Annual Weekend-long Event to Raise Life-saving Funds and Breast Cancer Awareness Washington, D.C., April 13, 2011 — The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer returns for the ninth year to the Washington, D.C. area on April 30 - May 1. 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 Washington, D.C. raised $6.5 million and attracted more than 2,900 participants from 47 states, Antigua, the United Kingdom and Puerto Rico, including 240 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 the Antietam Healthcare Foundation, University of Maryland Baltimore and the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium, a network of 16 universities and hospitals that work to accelerate clinical trials in breast cancer. The Avon Foundation for Women has awarded nearly $59 million to organizations and institutions in the Washington, D.C. area. The Avon Walk Washington, D.C. is the second of nine 2011 Avon Walks, following the season kick-off in Houston, TX, April 16-17. The Avon Walk Washington, D.C. begins Saturday, April 30 with an inspirational Opening Ceremony on the Washington Monument grounds, 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 Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C., are Gerie Voss, a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at the young age of 26, and Meg Baker, a-55-year-old breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in March of 2008. All unite throughout the weekend to become one, sharing their triumphs and tribulations, while working towards the common goal of eradicating breast cancer. After a full day of walking on Saturday, participants, including walkers and crew, spend the night at the “Wellness Village” at Meadowbrook 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 and a spa zone with mini back and foot massages. On Sunday, May 1, walkers complete their final 13.1 miles, celebrating their achievement at the Closing Ceremony back on the Washington Monument grounds with thousands of family and friends. During the ceremony, the Avon Foundation for Women will award new grants to breast cancer organizations in the greater Washington, D.C. 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 information follow us on Twitter at “avonwalks,” or visit our Facebook page. About the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer About the Avon Foundation for Women
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