On Saturday, April 20, participants will kick off the 2013 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Series as they take the first steps in the sixth annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Houston – the first walk of the 11th season.  The Avon Walk series consists of eigth non-competitive fundraising events throughout the country that bring together thousands of participants – including breast cancer survivors – dedicated to raising life-saving funds for the breast cancer cause. The Avon Walks offer participants a choice of walking a marathon (26.2 miles) or a marathon-and-a-half (39.3 miles) over a weekend. Walkers raise a minimum of $1,800 to participate and the Avon Foundation for Women distributes the funds raised to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations supporting access to care and research.

 After completing the first portion of the Avon Walk Houston on Saturday, April 20, walkers and crew will camp at the “Wellness Village” at Rice University. The Wellness Village – equipped with pink two-person tents, hot meals, showers, yoga, medical services and entertainment – will provide a relaxing haven for participants as they rest up for the second leg of the walk. On Sunday, April 21, participants will finish the Walk and come together to celebrate their long journey at a closing ceremony at Stude Park attended by thousands of family, friends and supporters. At the ceremony, the Avon Foundation will award the funds raised to breast cancer organizations in the participants’ communities.   

Saturday, April 20

 6:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony at Stude Park – 1031 Stude Street, Houston, Texas 77001

 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. -  Participants follow Saturday’s route (13.1 miles or 26.2 miles)

*For information on the location of walkers or public cheering stations throughout the day, please call the media contacts listed on this release

3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. -  Wellness Village: Rice University at 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005

Sunday, April 21                              

7:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. - All walkers follow Sunday’s route – final 13.1 miles

 *For information on the location of walkers or public cheering stations throughout the day, please call the media contacts listed on this release

3:00 p.m. - Closing Ceremony at Stude Park – 1031 Stude Street, Houston, Texas, 77007

For more information on the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 888-541-WALK.  To learn more about the Avon Foundation for Women visit www.avonfoundation.org.