NEW YORK (April 2004) – The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade announced a new agreement with United Airlines as the Official Airline of the 2004 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer weekend fundraising event series. The Avon Foundation also confirmed that the national sponsors for the 2003 inaugural Avon Walk season: RYKÄ and Health magazine, as well as Official Water FIJI Water are returning to support the six events being held across the country between May and October this year.

The Avon Walk is a series of non-competitive events structured for all fitness levels with a choice of completing a marathon walk (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over the Saturday and Sunday. To participate, each walker is required to raise a minimum of $1,800, and is fully supported by an all-volunteer crew. The crew takes care of everything from setting up the Wellness Village (where participants spend Saturday night in tents), to preparing meals and providing emotional support.

“We’re grateful for the generosity of these forward-thinking companies,” said Kathleen Walas, president of the Avon Foundation. “Not only for their invaluable contributions towards the Avon Walks, but also for embracing the breast cancer cause – the more awareness that the breast cancer cause receives, the closer we get to finding effective preventative treatments and a cure for the disease.”

United, United Express and Ted operate more than 3,400 flights a day on a route network that spans the globe. As the Official Airline of the Avon Walks, United will provide complimentary travel vouchers for event staff traveling to the six fundraising walks. “Despite many scientific and medical advances in recent years, breast cancer remains the second most common form of cancer in women,“ said Rosemary Moore, senior vice president-Corporate and Government Affairs, United Airlines. “The women and men of United Airlines are proud to lend their support to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer with the knowledge that, thanks to the hard work of those organizations supported by the walk, eventually, there will be a cure.” News releases and other information about United can be found on the company’s web site at www.united.com.

Returning Sponsors: RYKÄ, Health, FIJI Water

RYKÄ (www.ryka.com) is pleased to be returning for its second year of national sponsorship of the Avon Walks. As a unique company inspired by women for women, RYKÄ is devoted to enhancing women’s lives through fitness. All RYKÄ shoes are designed by an experienced team of women dedicated to making footwear that fits a woman's unique biomechanical needs. In addition to a significant financial contribution, RYKÄ will offer discounts on footwear and provide expert advice on proper shoe fitting. At the Wellness Village, RYKÄ will invite participants to show how each step counts in the fight against breast cancer by visiting the RYKÄ "Feet First" area to help create the "Wall of a Thousand Feet" – a commemorative photo gallery in celebration of all the steps taken for breast cancer – and receive pink shoelaces as a special thank-you for their heroism. In addition, fit experts will be present to assist with RYKÄ footwear try-ons and share advice about footwear fit and selection.

"RYKÄ's ongoing partnership with the Avon Walks represents our commitment to strengthening women's self-esteem, confidence and overall well-being through participation in fitness programs" said RYKÄ President Mary Taylor. "RYKÄ is proud to be associated with the fight against a disease that affects so many women."

Published by Time Inc., Health magazine (www.health.com) is America’s most-trusted health and wellness magazine, giving women the credible, useful, and up-to-date information and inspiration on how to live a healthier, happier life. To help generate broad national exposure for the Avon Walks, Health is running a series of advertisements, providing editorial and on-line exposure and adding a vital dimension to the on-site activities with its sponsorship and professional staffing of a yoga tent where participants can stretch their muscles and relax after a day of walking. The publication is also helping participants prepare for the events by offering training tips and other useful information from its expert editors.

Health publishes 10 times a year, reaching more than 6.5 million women. Health Vice President/Publisher Jennifer Deans, says, "As a magazine that speaks directly to women about important health issues, we have the power to heighten awareness of the breast cancer cause, and make a difference. We applaud the efforts of the Avon Foundation, and as a returning sponsor of the Avon Walks, we hope to further their mission and improve the lives of women in this country.”

On distance events, participants are constantly being challenged physically and hydration is key to a safe and successful performance. As the Official Water, FIJI Water (www.fijiwater.com), lauded for its remarkable purity and its soft, refreshing taste, will be in plentiful supply at the Avon Walk Wellness Villages to play a crucial role in keeping Avon Walk participants healthy and hydrated. “FIJI Water is committed to helping find a cure for breast cancer. As a long-time supporter of the breast cancer cause, we are proud to uphold our relationship with the Avon Foundation through this incredible series of fundraising events”, says FIJI Water President & Chief Executive Officer Doug Carlson. “We thank all the participants of the Avon Walks for their generous contribution of time and energy. Drinking plenty of FIJI Water is not only the best way to stay hydrated during the walk, but it’s the best choice to help you stay hydrated every day and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

The Avon Walk series is a project of the Avon Foundation and builds on the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade commitment of more than a decade to raising funds and awareness for the breast cancer cause. To date the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade has returned more than $300,000,000 to the breast cancer cause worldwide, with funds in the U.S. awarded for breast cancer awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, treatment, support services and scientific research. The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information, visit www.avonfoundation.org.

2004 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Event Schedule (in chronological order):
Washington, D.C., May 1-2
Boston, MA, May 15-16
Chicago, IL, June 5-6
San Francisco, CA, July 10-11
Los Angeles, CA, September 11-12
New York, NY, October 2-3

To register to walk or crew, or to pledge financial support for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 1-877-WALK AVON for more information.

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Sponsor Contacts:
Virginia Collom, FIJI Water, 970-927-7631 x108
Robyn Mait, Health magazine, 212-522-9723
Katie Clifford, RYKÄ, 949-394-4287
Sarah M. Lee, United Airlines, 847-700-6268