Los Angeles 7th Annual Avon Walk
for Breast Cancer
Raises more than $4.6 Million
Over the weekend, the 7th Annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer season continued with the Avon Walk in Los Angeles. The event raised more than $4.6 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. The event attracted more than 2,000 participants drawn from 33 states, including almost 200 breast cancer survivors, who joined together to raise lifesaving funds and awareness for breast cancer.
The Avon Foundation for Women Special Ambassador, Patrick Dempsey was a special guest at the Closing Ceremony as he raffled off the race suit he wore in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January. He also encouraged walkers to compete in the Dempsey Racing Champions' Circle for the opportunity to attend a 2010 race with Dempsey Racing Team.
Lynn May from Azusa, California, is a seven-year breast cancer survivor and was one of the speakers during the Closing Ceremony, who provided an immediate reminder of the impact of breast cancer and the importance of taking personal action to make a difference.
"My story of survival is a success story because I had great medical care and a lot of loving support. But there are people out there who don't have a large family, who don't have dedicated network of friends and co-workers and who don't have access to medical care. And that's why we're here. Every step we took this weekend was a step to help someone in need. Because help is desperately needed, right here in our neighborhoods," said May.
Patrick Dempsey joined the closing ceremony on stage to congratulate the walkers as well as the local breast cancer organizations who received a total of $2.6 million in grants, which were awarded on Sunday to ensure that funds raised immediately benefit the community. In saluting the Doctors and Scientists, Patrick commented that, "I am so proud to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer here in my hometown of Los Angeles." He continued, "It's really extraordinary that thousands of walkers come together and put so much physical and mental effort into a single cause."
