The funds raised by the walk support breast cancer awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, and scientific research. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and women in North America have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 240,000 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year and that more than 40,000 will die from the disease.

Last year the Avon Walk Long Beach raised $3.6 million. Seventy-five percent of those funds went to charities in Southern California, including the John Wayne Cancer Center, the Iris Cantor Breast Imaging Center at UCLA, and clinical research projects like Progress for Patients. The balance of the money goes to national breast cancer programs.

Opening ceremonies for this year’s event will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, with the walk immediately following at 7 a.m. It is a non-competitive 13.1 or 26.2 miles; walkers choose how far they want to tread in a day. The walk continues on Sunday with another 13.1 miles. The entire two-day event will take place in and around Long Beach. Walkers who come from as far away as Massachusetts, Washington D.C., New York, North Carolina, and even Canada will stay at the “wellness village” located in El Dorado Park. Hot showers, prepared meals, entertainment, and massage services are provided.

Among the walkers will be Sue LaVoie, a four-year breast cancer survivor. Sue and 35 friends formed a team and are hoping to raise $100,000. Coordinators are optimistic that Reese Witherspoon, who was named spokesperson for the Avon Foundation on August 1, will also make an appearance to support those striding mile after mile for the cause.

There are several ways that Long Beach residents can become involved in the walk, says Karen Borkowsky, a breast cancer survivor and program director for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. “Participants can register as a walker, which also means committing to raising at least $1,800 in donations,” she says. “Local residents can work on the crew, setting up, managing, and breaking down the wellness village, working at the food stations, and serving as cheerleaders. Volunteers are always welcome to help with outreach, office assistance, event support, and, of course, everyone can support a participant by making donations and attending the opening and closing ceremonies.”

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series from 2003-2006 has raised more than $150 million.

For more information or to register for the walk, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 800-510-WALK.

Washington, D.C.
May 5-6

Boston, MA
May 19-20

Chicago, IL
June 2-3

Denver, CO
June 23-24

San Francisco, CA
July 7-8

Long Beach, CA
September 15-16

New York, NY
October 6-7

Charlotte, NC
October 20-21

Houston, TX
April 12-13, 2008