Walk to End Breast Cancer marches through Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands of survivors, their friends, and families are marching through Chicago June 4-5, 2016 in the AVON 39 Walk to end Breast Cancer. The Chicago event is the third event of the season. United by a common cause, walkers will traverse 39.3 miles over a two-day span. Participants raise $1,800 to accelerate breast cancer research; improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment; and educate people about breast cancer. Since the AVON 39 series' launch in 2003, more than 220,000 participants have raised nearly $590,000,000. Funds raised are distributed to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations.

AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer Chicago began with an inspirational opening ceremony at Soldier Field. AVON 39 participants then started the challenge of 26.2 miles throughout Chicago, before spending Saturday night at Basecamp 39 at Horner Park. On Sunday, June 5, after completing the final 13.1 miles, participants join family and friends to celebrate their achievement at a closing ceremony at 2:00 p.m. During the ceremony, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade will award new grants to Chicago-area breast cancer organizations to ensure the funds raised will benefit the community immediately. Karla Bacon, who is walking with the Dresden Pink Warriors group, joined ABC 7 live from the walk route to talk about the importance of finding a cure.

AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer

Date: June 4th and 5th

Hours: June 4th: 6:30am-7pm, June 5th: 7am-3:00pm

Address: Opening Ceremony: Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL 60625

Admission: All of the walkers have raised $1,800 to accelerate breast cancer research; improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment; and educate people about breast cancer.

Viewers can support the walkers by cheering at any of the 25 cheering stations listed on the Avon39 site. There is also a closing ceremony and finish festival to celebrate all of the participants at 2pm on Sunday in East Museum Lot.

Cheering and donations are open to the public, only those who have met the $1,800 commitment can participate in the walk.

Donations are being accepted at http://www.avon39.org, you can also register for next year's race!