[HOUSTON, May 9, 2017]–AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer kicked off its 15th annual event series in Houston raising $1.7 million to accelerate breast cancer research; improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment; and educate people about breast cancer. The Rose was a beneficiary and received $100,000 to serve insured and uninsured women through their Patient Navigation program, regardless of their ability to pay.
AVON 39 Houston – the first of seven events across the country united by the theme #FierceIsForever– drew more than 770 participants from 29 states and Washington, D.C., including 129 breast cancer survivors who walked a total of 39.3 miles over two days. Since the AVON 39’s launch in 2003, more than 235,000 participants have raised nearly $620,000,000. Funds raised are distributed to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations like The Rose.
“For 30 years, The Rose has made a commitment to the women of this community,” said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose. “Avon has been a partner since 2001 and their support has allowed us to touch thousands of lives. They share in our mission that every woman deserves quality breast health care regardless of her ability to pay.”
Hilda Martinez and her mother walked in the Avon 39 for the second year. Hilda is a Sponsorship Coordinator at The Rose and she has helped hundreds of women obtain care. “I have seen how hard it is for some women to receive the care that they deserve. I know what an event like this means for the women who have nowhere to turn,’” said Hilda. “Since my mother is a survivor, I also know the toll breast cancer takes on the entire family. AVON helps The Rose continue to save the lives of women in our community.”
At the event, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade announced seven 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 $18.1 million donated by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and Avon Foundation for Women to organizations and institutions in Texas.
Representatives from the seven organizations receiving grants at the AVON 39 Houston 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.
The Rose received a grant to continue providing vital screening and support services to more than 2,000 individuals and ensure access to timely, affordable and accessible treatment for at least 320 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients living in rural areas of Texas.
“As the company for women, we are proud of our strong purpose-driven mission to improve the lives of women – and this includes our long-term commitment to the fight against breast cancer. I’ve had the great privilege of participating in the AVON 39 Walk and being a part of the powerful community of walkers. I’m inspired by the individuals whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, and who have their own personal reason for wanting to take part and make a difference,” says Scott White, Chief Executive Officer, New Avon LLC.
About AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer
AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer is the largest fundraising event for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Since its launch by the Avon Foundation for Women in 2003, more than 235,000 participants have raised nearly $620,000,000 in the fight to end breast cancer. Funds raised at each event provide direct impact in the area where the event takes place, and also help make sure that care and research programs nationwide have adequate resources to make the most progress possible. For more information about AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, visit www.avon39.org or join the #FierceIsForever conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Their mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is one of only 14 Breast Centers in the greater Houston area to receive this designation. Led by Fellowship trained physicians, The Rose’s advanced digital technology includes 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic work-ups including biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As the leading nonprofit breast health organization in Texas, The Rose is a strong advocate for quality breast healthcare, a major part of the Healthcare Safety Net and serves 40,000 insured and uninsured women annually. Two Houston based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and a fleet of Mobile Mammography Vans provide services to women throughout 35 counties in Southeast Texas.
About New Avon LLC
New Avon LLC (“Avon”) is the leading social selling beauty company in North America, with independent sales Representatives throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Avon’s product portfolio includes award-winning skincare, color cosmetics, fragrance and personal care products, featuring iconic brands such as ANEW, Avon Color, mark., and Skin So Soft, as well as fashion and accessories. Avon has a 130 year history of empowering women through economic opportunity, and supporting the causes that matter most to women. Together, Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have contributed over $1 billion globally toward eradicating breast cancer and domestic violence.
Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avon.com.
For more information about The Rose, visit www.therose.org or join the #FierceIsForever conversation on Facebook. To view more images click here, or schedule an interview with Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose, please contact Ashley Small at 281-827-3419 or [email protected].
