Fifth Annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer New York Raises $10...(battled breast cancer for the first time...),Health

"Stage IV is no longer the death sentence it used to be. I have treatments, and I have hope," Kealy said, "This weekend serves as a message of hope to everyone who sees us."

Following the Opening Ceremony, walkers began their journey and were supported by a volunteer crew every step of the way, buoyed by cheering stations of friends, family, supporters and local residents.

Avon Walk New York participants came from states throughout the US and as far away as Turkey, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain and Iceland. Iceland's team, "Walk Together," included 23 members who raised over $42,000. In addition, breast cancer survivors from nearly 50 countries manned a cheering station in support of the walkers and crew.

After completing the first day of walking, encompassing either a marathon or half marathon, participants spent Saturday night in two-person tents in the Avon Walk "Wellness Village" at Mackay Park in Englewood, NJ, complete with hot showers, prepared meals and live entertainment. On Sunday, October 7, walkers completed another half marathon (13.1 miles), ending back at Hudson River Park Pier 84 where they were greeted by thousands of family and friends who shared in a celebratory and moving Closing Ceremony.

To participate in the Avon Walk New York, each walker raised a minimum of $1,800 in donations, which is managed and disbursed by the Avon Foundation [a 501(c)(3) public charity]. Funds raised by participants of the Avon Walks are awarded to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations to support five areas of the breast cancer cause, including awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, and scientific research, all with a focus on the medically underserved.

Donations
'/>"/>