CHICAGO, IL – June 8, 2015 – The Loretto Hospital received a grant of $100,000 from the Avon Foundation for Women to provide breast cancer education and patient navigation to underserved women living in Chicago's Austin Community and the surrounding area during the AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer closing ceremony yesterday at Soldier Field.
AVON 39 Chicago – the fourth of seven events across the country to unveil the new theme #Powerof39 – drew more than 2,200 participants from 43 states and Washington, D.C., including 296 breast cancer survivors and 334 men. Held over the course of two days, Saturday, June 6 – Sunday, June 7, participants walked a total of 39.3-miles walk to raise $5 million to accelerate breast cancer research; improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment; and educate people about breast cancer.
During the closing ceremony, Jill Surdyka, AVON 39 National Ambassador, announced nine new Safety Net and Breast Cancer Outreach Program grantees, including The Loretto Hospital. Loretto Hospital’s Community Relations Manager, Angela Walker, also a breast cancer survivor, received the check on behalf of Loretto.
“It was a pleasure to accept the check for $100,000 on behalf of The Loretto Hospital. As a nine-year breast cancer survivor, I understand the need for financial support for breast health services and know that many women will benefit from the programs at Loretto Hospital funded by the Avon Foundation.”
Additional grants will be awarded throughout the year, adding to the more than $60.64 million donated by the Avon Foundation for Women to organizations and institutions in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin since 2001.
“We were thrilled to continue the AVON 39 series in Chicago this weekend and reveal new event elements,” said Jill Surdyka, AVON 39 National Ambassador. “This weekend, AVON 39ers united in solidarity and raised funds with one common goal: to end breast cancer. The grants distributed today will help us to further our goal in providing services to those in need, educating the public and crushing breast cancer once and for all. The dedication, enthusiasm and spirit of our participants is undeniable – and we’re extremely grateful for their ongoing support.”
To learn more about The Loretto Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging and Mammogram Services visit our website at www.lorettohospital.org or call 773-854-5220.
About The Loretto Hospital
The Loretto Hospital is a not-for-profit, community-based, and acute care hospital located on Chicago’s Far West Side of Chicago. Founded in 1939 by a group of community doctors to create a patient centered hospital that would serve the community regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, Loretto has provided comprehensive medical care and social support services to the Austin Community for 75 years. Although the largest percentage of the hospital’s patients resides in Austin, neighboring communities and suburbs also utilize Loretto as a healthcare resource. For more information, please visit lorettohospital.org.