This weekend 2,000 men and women hit the asphalt during AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer in Washington, D.C. The participants, dubbed 39ers, raised more than $4.6 million to fund research and education, as well as assistance for families battling the disease.
The walk was the second of seven that will take place in major U.S. cities this year. Formerly known as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, AVON 39 refers to the 39.3 miles—split into marathon and half-marathon distances—that participants walk throughout the weekend. The company is also celebrating the impact of the AVON 39 community with new theme #Powerof39.
“To me, the Power of 39 means having a strong support system. If you’ve got family, faith, love and a community like AVON 39ers who will walk tirelessly to support one another—you’ve got enough to fight cancer,” breast cancer survivor Kimberly Curtis told the crowd gathered in Washington, D.C.
This year, participants traveled from 37 states to the nation’s capital to walk for themselves or someone they love. Since the Avon Foundation for Women introduced the event in 2003, more than 207,000 individuals have taken part, raising $550 million for the cause.
Jill Surdyka, AVON 39 National Ambassador, took the stage during the closing ceremony to announce eight local organizations that would benefit from the event. The foundation directs grants to organizations that provide their services to everyone, regardless of their insurance status, demographic background or ability to pay.
