New York City Avon Walk Raises $10.2 Million for Breast Cancer

This weekend, there was a little more traffic than usual in the Big Apple. The fifth-annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer New York drew men and women from 46 states and seven countries for the two day event. This year's Avon Walk was the largest in the history of the event, with more than 3,900 participants. Thanks to their efforts, $10.2 million was raised to fund breast cancer research and improve access to care.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series began in 2003 and has raised more than $150 million since its inception. In addition to New York, events are held in Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

In order to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer New York, each participant raised at least $1,800 in donations. Walkers were organized into teams and had a choice of walking a marathon (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over the course of the weekend. The event began with an early morning Opening Ceremony at Pier 84 in Hudson River Park. The ceremony featured remarks from a stage IV breast cancer survivor, Cara Kealy, 38, of Mount Vernon, N.Y. Kealy said the Avon Walk participants filled her with strength and inspiration.

"Stage IV is no longer the death sentence it used to be," she said. Kealy began her battle with breast cancer eight years ago, and was recently diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Stage IV is considered the "advanced" stage of breast cancer, in which the cancer has spread beyond the breast and possibly into the lungs, liver, bone or brain. Traditionally, this was considered a grave situation. However, funds raised by events such as the Avon Walk have led to research to fight tumors even at this stage. "[Now] I have treatments, and I have hope," Kealy told the walkers.

The event was truly an international experience, as participants represented nearly every state and Canada, as well as Europe. Iceland sent a team comprised of 23 members who raised $42,000 for the cause. The most productive team, "Clubs for the Cure," hailed from the United States and raised nearly $180,000. Participants also came from Germany, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. In addition, a cheering station featured breast cancer survivors from nearly 50 nations supporting the walkers and crew.

After walking either a marathon or half of a marathon on Saturday, participants spent the night in the Avon Walk "Wellness Village." Located at McKay Park in Englewood, N.J., the village featured live entertainment, hot showers, and prepared meals. The walk concluded on Sunday with a return to Pier 84 where thousands of friends and family were gathered for an inspirational and celebratory closing ceremony. Kealy praised the efforts of the walkers and summed up the spirit of the event.

"This weekend serves as a message of hope to everyone who sees us," she said.

Interested in helping the cause? Donations are still being accepted here for the Avon Walk New York. In addition, registration is open the 2008 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series. For more information, visit http://www.avonwalk.org or call 800-510-WALK.

SOURCES:

Press Release, Avon Foundation
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
BreastCancer.org