The Avon Foundation for Women Kicks Off Powerful New Campaign to 'Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye'

-Reese Witherspoon joins the Avon Foundation for Women on its crusade to raise breast cancer funds and awareness this October-

NEW YORK, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but at the Avon Foundation for Women, it's breast cancer awareness month every month of the year. The Avon Foundation and Avon Foundation Honorary Chairperson Reese Witherspoon are using this October to kick off the Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye grassroots campaign to motivate people to use their lips to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and access to care.

Over the last decade, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised and donated nearly $700 million to accelerate research and improve access to breast cancer care in more than 50 countries. Reese Witherspoon says, "Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye is the Crusade's latest call to action against this disease that touches all of us. Here in the United States, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. I am proud to stand with the Avon Foundation for Women in this important crusade to raise both awareness and funds that will save lives."

This October Avon launches its latest fund-raising product, the Lips for Life tote. Priced at $5 each, 100% of net proceeds ($3.74) will go to Avon Breast Cancer Crusade beneficiaries, including leading cancer research and clinical centers, and community-based, non-profit breast health education programs. The tote is available at PasstheKissOn.org and through Avon Representatives, by calling 1-800-FOR-AVON or by visiting www.avon.com.  

Avon also has created a fun online tool that people can activate to remind one another of the many resources available to manage breast health. "Pass the Kiss On" is a customizable online widget, available at www.PasstheKissOn.org, featuring Reese Witherspoon and a pair of "talking" lips. People can send family and friends a personalized message expressing support, urging them to get a mammogram, and encouraging them to pass the message along.

"Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. We are encouraging everyone to spread the word that early detection and treatment can save lives," says Carol Kurzig, President of the Avon Foundation for Women. "By passing the kiss on, people can help the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade raise funds and awareness to accelerate research, with an emphasis on developing new diagnostic tests and tailored therapies, and ensure that all women (and men) get the breast cancer screening and care they need."

Avon Foundation for Women

The Avon Foundation for Women was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women, and brings this mission to life through focus on two key issues: breast cancer and domestic violence. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade  launched in 1992, and Avon breast cancer programs in more than 50 countries have raised almost $700 million for research and advancing advance access to care, with a focus on the medically underserved. Funding is awarded to beneficiaries ranging from leading cancer centers to community-based grassroots breast health programs. In addition to generous support from Avon Products, Inc., funds are raised through the sale of Avon "pink ribbon" products, as well as a variety of events, races and walks; the U.S. Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series is the Foundation's largest fund-raising source.

SOURCE Avon Foundation for Women