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Fran Bonkowski of Gibson­ville will join thousands of women and men in the upcoming Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Charlotte, raising funds and awareness that will help defeat breast cancer and support those facing the disease.

Bonkowski will participate in the noncompetitive walking event by completing a marathon (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) Oct. 24 and 25. This is her second Avon Walk.

Thanks to Bonkowski, some funds from the walk may go to Norville Breast Care Center in Burlington, which has applied for a grant.

Bonkowski was inspired to take part in the Avon Walk Charlotte to support her friends who have or had breast cancer and to raise awareness about the disease. It was also a way to get back to her active lifestyle after a 2005 hip replacement. She got the OK from her orthopedic surgeon and set herself up for the two-fold challenge of fundraising and training for a marathon and a half.

“It was exhilerating to do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer last year,” she said. “I am walking again because I can, and so many women need our help, financially and emotionally.”

Last year, Bonkowski walked 13.1 miles each day and raised $2,600. This year, her goal is $1,800.

“Thanks to thousands of people like Fran Bonkowski, we are able to save lives by providing significant funds for vital breast cancer research as well as access to care, screening, support services and education,” said Carol Kurzig, executive director of the Avon Foundation.

The Avon Walk Charlotte is one of nine weekend walks taking place this year.

Each walker is required to raise at least $1,800 in donations and undertake months of training for the two-day walk of either 26.2 or 39.3 miles.

Bonkowski and the other participants will start their walk weekend with an opening ceremony Saturday morning.

Walkers and volunteer crews spend Saturday night at the Wellness Village, which features two-person sleeping tents, hot showers, prepared meals and support services.

On Sunday, all walkers complete their final 13.1 miles, which culminates in a closing ceremony, including the presentation of local grants.

— Avon Walk for Breast Cancer