Resources

See below for answers to frequently asked questions about Avon BHOP, how to support the Avon Foundation, and links to resources and partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am presently struggling with cancer and am looking for funding to pay for my medical bills.  Do I need to apply for the grant?

A.  No. The Avon Foundation for Women (AFW) sponsors a program with CancerCare called AVONcares; this program provides limited financial assistance for transportation to and from treatment, childcare/eldercare for those undergoing treatment, and an escort to and from treatment. Another program through CancerCare, Linking A.R.M.S. provides limited financial assistance for hormonal or oral chemotherapy, anti-nausea and pain medication, lymphedema supplies, and durable medical equipment.

To find out more information about these programs and to access their application form (in English and Spanish) please visit CancerCare.org. You may also contact them by phone at 1-800-813- HOPE (4673).

Q. I heard about your program and would like to enroll for a free or low-cost breast cancer screening. How do I go about doing that?

A.  You can locate the Avon BHOP program closest to you on the Funded Programs page. If there are no Avon BHOP grantees near you, you may contact a local CDC Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control to contact your state office, or find your local American Cancer Society (ACS) office by visiting www.cancer.org (click on "In Your Area").

Q. I'm planning a Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Can I place an order for free flyers?

A.   You can contact your local Avon Sales representative by calling 1-800-FOR-AVON and invite her to attend an event, where she can sell Pink Ribbon Products to raise funds for the cause and distribute the Breast Health Resource Guide. These educational brochures may also be purchased through an Avon Representative at a minimal cost in packs of ten, or they can be downloaded for free in English or Spanish.

Q. If I place a bulk order for Pink Ribbon Products, can I have a discount on the price?

A. Since the money that is generated from these products goes directly toward our cause, Avon does not reduce the price on these items. The purchase of each item is a charitable donation.

There are many ways to support the Avon Foundation and their mission to fund access to care and find a cure for breast cancer. You can...

• Donate
• Buy a Pink Ribbon fundraising product
• Walk, crew, or volunteer for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
• Attend an Avon Foundation for Women fundraising event
• See how others raise funds for the Avon Foundation for Women

Other Resources

	American Cancer Society A nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Find your local American Cancer Society (ACS) online (click "In Your Area").
	America's Health Insurance Plans The national association representing nearly 1,300 member companies providing health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans.
	Breast Cancer Stories A non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. All funding for this initiative is provided by charitable contributions, healthcare sponsorships, grants, individual donations and events.
	Breast Cancer Network of Strength A trusted resource for 30 years, helping thousands find the information they need to make educated decisions. YourShoes peer counselors 24/7 hotline.
	Cancer Leadership Council (CLC) Formed in 1993 by eight cancer patient organizations that wished to voice the concerns of cancer survivors during the debate on reform of the health care system. At that time, the CLC focused on initiatives that would guarantee cancer survivors access to high quality care provided by cancer specialists.
	Cancer News Free service dedicated to bringing patients and their families the latest news and information on cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
	Cancercare The mission of this national non-profit organization is to provide free professional help to people with all cancers through counseling, education, information, referrals, and direct financial assistance.
	The Center for Mind-Body Medicine A non-profit, 501(c) (3), educational organization dedicated to reviving the spirit and transforming the practice of medicine. Working to create a more effective, comprehensive, and compassionate model of healthcare and health education.
	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Information on the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) as well as information about breast cancer, resource materials, fact sheets, and other useful information
	Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation The leading resource for information about breast cancer and women's health, including the latest news in breast cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, and the specific concerns of long-term survivors
	International Health Education Alliance Assists underserved populations, immigrants, and refugees to identify and serve their community’s health needs; offers information on mammography and breast self exams in multiple languages
	Medicare Rights Center The Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is a national, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that helps ensure that older adults and people with disabilities get good affordable health care.
	National Breast Cancer Coalition Since 1991, the National Breast Cancer Coalition's trained advocates have lobbied at the national, state and local levels for public policies that impact breast cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.
	National Breast Cancer Foundation Breast cancer news links, education, help for the underserved
	National Cancer Institute Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NCI coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and their families.
	National Institutes of Health (NIH) The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency—making important medical discoveries that improve health and save lives.
	Patient Advocate Foundation The Patient Advocate Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that serves as an active liaison between patients and their insurers, employers and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job discrimination, and/or debt crisis matters related to their diagnosis.
	Safety Net Hospitals The Avon Foundation for Women "Safety Net" program supports public, community, and safety net hospitals and health care systems that provide breast care to low-income, at-risk, uninsured and underinsured individuals. Find a location near you.
	Sharsheret A national not-for-profit organization providing free individualized support and resources to young Jewish women and their families fighting breast cancer
	Shop Well With You A national not-for-profit organization that helps women surviving all types of cancer improve their body-image and quality of life through clothing as an aide for maintaining wellness.
	Susan G. Komen for the Cure Find a Komen affiliate in your area. The website has some resources in Spanish available.
	United Way United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income, and health.

Partners

Avon Safety Net Program
Access to Diagnostics and Care
The Avon Foundation Safety Net Program supports regional and community hospitals to enable medically underserved women to access post-screening diagnostics and care. Click on the link above to see a list of currently funded programs.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
CDC's NBCCEDP provides access to breast and cervical cancer screening services to underserved women all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five U.S. territories, and 12 tribes. Avon BHOP grantees conduct outreach and education to link women with free or low-cost screening services offered through their local CDC-funded breast and cervical programs.

Dr. Susan Love/Army of Women
The Army of Women campaign is driven by the partnerships between women and scientists and between AFW and the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, which aims to accelerate research and prevent breast cancer. Get information about the initiative in English or Spanish.

American Cancer Society (ACS)
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the ACS has 13 chartered divisions and more than 3,400 local offices. The American Cancer Society recommends a three-pronged approach for early detection: 1) Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. 2) Clinical breast exam (CBE) about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. 3) Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
The mission of NIEHS is to reduce the burden of human illness and disability by understanding how the environment influences the development and progression of disease.

Chicago Metropolitan Breast Cancer Task Force
The organization consists of a group of dedicated community leaders, advocates, and professionals concerned with the widening disparity in breast cancer mortality in Chicago. They organized at the Breast Cancer Summit: A Call to Action in March 2007 with the goal of writing a report outlining specific actions and public policy recommendations to address breast cancer disparities and improve breast cancer care for all women across Metropolitan Chicago.