NEW YORK (May 10, 2004) – The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, announced today that Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation will be one of the national sponsors of the 2004 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer fundraising event series, beginning in May and continuing through October. The sponsorship marks the launch of Ribbon of Pink, a Novartis Oncology educational program developed for breast cancer patients and survivors. The program will address the need for breast cancer patients and survivors to stay informed and connected with their physicians and support community – including awareness of developments in breast cancer treatment and taking steps to maintain health and reduce the risk of recurrence.

The Avon Foundation recognizes the importance of meeting the educational needs of breast cancer patients and survivors and supports Ribbon of Pink as part of its mission to improve women’s understanding of breast cancer through education. The nationwide initiative will raise awareness among patients diagnosed at an early stage of breast cancer about their condition, including ongoing risk of recurrence.

“We are pleased to have Novartis as a national sponsor of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and to introduce Ribbon of Pink,” said Kathleen Walas, president of the Avon Foundation. “Our goal is to help raise awareness and funds for the disease so we can move closer to finding effective preventative treatments and a cure.”

About Ribbon of Pink
The Ribbon of Pink program offers patients and their caregivers a combination of written materials and on-line resources. Highlights include an interactive website dedicated to informing and supporting the lives of patients with breast cancer, their families and their friends. The website is being developed with the help of breast cancer patients and supporters so that it can best provide content and tools for people who have been through early breast cancer treatments and are in need of resources to help them continue their education into breast cancer news and treatment options. In addition, an educational brochure that provides information on topics including diagnosis, treatment options, issues surrounding the risks of recurrence, and a list of support groups will be distributed nationally at the Avon Walk events and through links at www.avonwalk.org.

“Novartis is honored to partner with the Avon Foundation in its crusade against breast cancer, said Deborah Dunsire, MD, senior vice president and North American region head, Novartis Oncology. “We share Avon’s commitment in advancing the hopes of all people with breast cancer through research and education. Through Ribbon of Pink our goal is to educate breast cancer patients and survivors to play a more active role in knowing their options and maintaining their health."

About the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is a series of non-competitive events structured for all fitness levels. Participants have the choice of completing a marathon walk (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over a Saturday and Sunday. To participate, each walker is required to raise a minimum of $1,800. Walkers are fully supported by an all-volunteer crew who take care of them all weekend.

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 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. For more information on the Avon Foundation, visit www.avonfoundation.org.

2004 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Event Schedule
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.