New York, March 6, 2007— The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event series, which raises extraordinary funds and awareness for the breast cancer cause, will take place in eight cities in this fifth annual season. The events offer participants a choice of walking a marathon or a marathon and a half over a weekend, and the 2007 lineup includes Washington, DC (May 5-6); Boston (May 19-20); Chicago (June 2-3); Denver (June 23-24); San Francisco (July 7-8); Los Angeles (September 15-16); New York City (October 6-7); and Charlotte, NC (October 20-21). Each Avon Walk attracts women and men from across the country, and funds raised are distributed to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations.

Each Avon Walk begins on a Saturday, when walkers have the choice of walking 13.1 or 26.2 miles – a half or full marathon. Participants, including walkers and volunteer crew members, then spend the night at the “Wellness Village,” which features two-person sleeping tents, hot showers, prepared meals, entertainment, volunteer massage services and comprehensive support services. On Sunday, walkers complete another 13.1 miles, concluding with a celebratory closing ceremony with family and friends and an announcement of new funding grants to local organizations so funds raised are immediately put to work.

Maritza Rodriguez, 44, participated in her first Avon Walk for Breast Cancer simply for the physical challenge, although she had no family history or direct connection to the disease at the time. The Avon Walk became personal just two years later when her younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 34.

“The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer works, which is why I commit my time and resources to this event every year,” said Rodriguez, who will complete her fourth Avon Walk in 2007. “I strongly believe that because of fundraisers like this, my sister is alive today.

” Breast cancer survivor Mona Eisenberg, 58, has completed four Avon Walks since her 2003 recurrence of breast cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time in 1998.

“I walked my way through chemo, and the Avon Walk gave me both courage and hope. Since my battle I’ve kept participating to save the lives of those who will face this disease in the future. I want to save their lives just as Avon Walk walkers before me saved mine,” Eisenberg said.

Funds raised at Avon Walks are managed and disbursed by the Avon Foundation [a 501(c)(3) public charity] and are awarded to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved. Funds support five areas of the breast cancer cause: awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, and scientific research. From 2003 through 2006, the Avon Walk series included over 55,000 participants and raised more than $150 million. In addition to the Avon Walk series, Avon global philanthropy has supported breast cancer programs in 50 countries.

To register for or donate to an Avon Walk, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 800-510-WALK.