AD: Walk To End Breast Cancer returns to Santa Barbara

Hundreds of Survivors and Participants from Santa Barbara and Across the U.S. to Gather for Annual Weekend Fundraising Event to Support Breast Cancer Cause

On Saturday, September 10, participants will take the first steps of AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer Santa Barbara, the sixth of seven weekend-long, 39.3-mile walks across the country in 2016. The event series, in its 14th season, celebrates the strength and philanthropic commitment of participants who raise $1,800 to accelerate breast cancer research; improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment; and educate people about breast cancer. Since its launch by the Avon Foundation for Women in 2003, more than 220,000 participants have raised nearly $590,000,000. Funds raised at each event provide a direct impact in the area where the event takes place, and also help make sure that care programs and research programs nationwide have adequate resources to make the most progress possible.

After completing the first 26.2-miles of AVON 39 Santa Barbara on Saturday, walkers and volunteer crew will camp at "Basecamp 39." Basecamp 39 will provide a relaxing haven for participants as they rest up for the second day of the walk, and will be equipped with pink two-person tents, hot meals, showers, yoga, entertainment, and volunteer medical services provided by our generous sponsor John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center. On Sunday, September 11, participants will finish the final 13.1 miles and complete their long journey at a finish festival celebration and closing ceremony where the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade will award many of the funds raised to breast cancer organizations in the Southern California area.


Info: Through 2015, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and the Avon Foundation for Women have awarded more than $45 million to organizations in Southern California, including UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Last year's AVON 39 Santa Barbara drew nearly 2,300 participants from 44 states and Washington, D.C., including 341 breast cancer survivors who raised $5.3 million to advance access to breast health care. For more information on AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, visit www.avon39.org or join the #Powerof39 conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Featured Walker:

Ingrid Dampier, Breast Cancer Survivor

One Santa Barbara walker, Ingrid Dampier, has made AVON 39 a family affair. Ingrid's grandmothers, aunts, cousins and sister have all been all diagnosed with breast cancer and far too many have lost their battle. In 2003, Ingrid's niece formed Team Monika in honor of her mother and invited Ingrid and their entire group of family and friends to participate in AVON 39 and crush breast cancer.

Like so many women in her family, Ingrid received the same difficult and life changing diagnosis. Ingrid went through treatment and was given the all clear, continuing to show her commitment to AVON 39, participating in more than 15 events.

In 2012, Ingrid received the news that the breast cancer had re-occurred. She thought she might not be able to walk that year, but family and friends gathered to support her and Team Monika by walking, fundraising and being active supporters of AVON 39. It is this type of commitment that is helping Team Monika and Ingrid make a difference. This is the community that is AVON 39.