Breckenridge - The eighth annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer season continued with the Avon Walk Rocky Mountains June 26-27, raising more than $2.6 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. The Avon Walk Rocky Mountains, the fifth of nine Avon Walks this year, attracted more than 1,250 participants from 43 states and the United Kingdom, including 135 breast cancer survivors, who joined together to raise lifesaving funds and awareness for breast cancer.

During the Closing Ceremony in Breckenridge, three-year breast cancer survivor Marcia Bohannon, from Conifer, spoke movingly about her involvement in the Avon Walk Rocky Mountains: "The Avon Walk is so important to me because it funds local organizations that help people battling breast cancer who desperately need help. As confusing, terrifying and awful as my diagnosis was, I had insurance and access to first-rate medical care. I can only imagine what it's like to face this battle without that support. Every step we took this weekend will help people in need right here in Summit County and Colorado."

Carol Kurzig, president of the Avon Foundation for Women, announced during the closing ceremony a total of more than $1.15 million in grants to nine local organizations, ensuring the funds raised immediately benefit the community. More grants are slated to be awarded throughout the year to additional local and national breast cancer programs.

More info at www.avonwalk.org.