UCLA receives $650,000 gift from Avon to fund breast cancer program

Avon Cares for Life, a program of UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for uninsured and underinsured patients who have been diagnosed with or are at risk for breast cancer, has received a $650,000 donation from Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

The generous award will continue to fund the program located at the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center for one year and support their ongoing commitment to provide critical breast cancer navigation, treatment and education.

The University of California Los Angeles and the Jonsson Cancer Center received the award during the closing ceremonies of AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, which held its 15th annual event series in Santa Barbara this weekend. Funds raised provide direct impact in the area where the event takes place, and help make sure that care and research programs nationwide have adequate resources to make the most progress possible.

This year’s event, which ended its 39-mile journey at Carpinteria State Park, united 1,600 participants from 41 states and Washington, D.C., who all came together in the fight against cancer.

On hand to receive the donation on behalf of UCLA was Dr. Melinda Maggard-Gibbons, a professor of surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine and member of UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. The cancer center has established an international reputation for developing targeted cancer therapies and providing leading-edge experimental treatments for the disease.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which continues to transform the lives of our patients, their families and caregivers,” said Maggard-Gibbons. “This generous donation helps us to continue our mission of providing invaluable services and support to those women most in need.”

Since the AVON 39’s launch in 2003, more than 235,000 participants have raised nearly $620,000,000. Founded in 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has been working to help to prevent, treat, and ultimately eradicate breast cancer. The Crusade supports awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to care, support services and scientific research.