AVON PRODUCTS, INC. Apr 26, 2015
Houston, April 26, 2015 - AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, formerly known as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, completed its 100th event this weekend raising $2.7 million to accelerate breast cancer research; improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment; and educate people about breast cancer.
AVON 39 Houston - the first of seven events across the country to unveil the new theme #Powerof39 - drew more than 1,250 participants from 40 states and Washington, D.C., including 145 breast cancer survivors and 258 men.
"This weekend, AVON 39 celebrated its 100th event in Houston. We also celebrated a special milestone, as we kicked off the AVON 39 season with a new look and feel, and launched several new exciting on-event elements," said Jill Surdyka, AVON 39 National Ambassador. "More than 1,250 Houston 39ers united with one common goal: to end breast cancer. The grants given today will help us do just that - and will help us to further our goal in providing services to those in need, educating the public, and crushing breast cancer once and for all."
Houston local, Minou Feinstein, shared her battle with breast cancer to fellow participants, volunteers, family and friends. "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was terrified - for myself, for my husband and for my three kids," said Feinstein. "But after fear came fierce determination. Today, I stand here, fresh out of my last round of chemo and straight from the AVON 39 finish line. To me, the Power of 39 means survival - and thanks to the AVON 39, I am able to fight and crush breast cancer for myself and others in similar circumstances."
Jill Surdyka, AVON 39 National Ambassador, announced six new grants to local breast cancer organizations, ensuring the funds raised immediately benefit the local community. Additional grants will be awarded throughout the year, adding to the more than $17.5 million donated by the Avon Foundation for Women to organizations and institutions in Texas.
Representatives from the five Texas organizations receiving grants on stage at the AVON 39 closing ceremony thanked participants for their commitment to ending breast cancer and for their spectacular fundraising achievements. All Avon Safety Net and Breast Cancer Outreach Program grantees commit to providing their services to everyone - no matter their insurance status, demographic background or ability to pay.
- Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation received a $50,000 grant that will allow 30 Patient Advocates to attend the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the world's largest breast cancer conference.
- Baylor College of Medicine the AVON 39 medical sponsor, received $325,000 to research the mechanics of how breast cancer spreads and ways to stop it, and to support the Pink 4 Life program that provides breast care services to more than 4,500 economically disadvantaged patients in Houston and Harris County.
- The Methodist Hospital Foundation received a $100,000 grant to assist 2,500 underserved breast cancer patients at the Denver Harbor Clinic.
- The Rose received a $100,000 grant to support patient navigators and to provide breast cancer screenings for more than 36,000 women at their two locations and through their mobile mammography van.
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center received a $100,000 grant to support Breast Cancer Nurse Navigators at Harris Health System's Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston.
Event Details and Exciting New Elements
AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer Houston began on Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 a.m. with an inspirational opening ceremony at Stude Park. During the opening ceremony, participants received woven ribbon wristbands, called connection bands, to showcase who they are walking for. Participants then walked 26.2 miles through the Houston area, supported by an all-volunteer crew and cheered on by supporters. They spent Saturday night at Rice University's Basecamp 39, which featured pink two-person tents, hot showers, meals, and entertainment. New elements to the campgrounds included a temporary tattoo parlor, assorted games, and nightly entertainment. A special tent, Lounge 39, also allowed participants to relax.
On Sunday, April 26, after completing the final 13.1 miles, participants joined family and friends to celebrate their achievement at the closing ceremony at Stude Park where the new grants were awarded. A DJ was onsite as participants crossed the finish line and received finisher metals as a new keepsake of their accomplishment.
Get Involved with AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer
The 2015 season is open for registration and events will also take place in Washington, D.C. (May 2-3); Boston (May 16-17); Chicago (June 6-7); San Francisco (July 11-12); Santa Barbara (September 12-13); and New York (October 17-18).
For more information about AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, visit www.avon39.org or join the #Powerof39 conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
About the Avon Foundation for Women
The Avon Foundation for Women is the world's largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women. Since its inception in 1955, the Avon Foundation has promoted or aided charitable, scientific, educational, and humanitarian activities, with a special emphasis on activities that improve the lives of women and their families. Through 2014, Avon global philanthropy, led by the Avon Foundation, has donated nearly $1 billion in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses on funding 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. Visit www.avonfoundation.org for more information.
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KNOW YOUR RISKS. KNOW YOUR BODY. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.
Encourage women around you to do the same. Don't forget, men can get breast cancer, too.
For breast cancer information and resources, visit avonfoundation.org.
AVON 39 Thanks National Sponsor Reebok, Official Sponsor PLS Financial Services and Medical Sponsor Baylor College of Medicine
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