National Breast Center Foundation Holds 9th Annual Walk to Bust Cancer Sunday, October 20th
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia – The National Breast Center Foundation is pleased to announce its Ninth Annual Walk to Bust Cancer at Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria, VA on Sunday October 20h.
The Walk to Bust Cancer is the single biggest fundraiser each year for the National Breast Center Foundation, which exists to improve the lives of women by removing barriers that prevent them from getting proper screening, diagnosis, education, and treatment for breast cancer. Martha Carucci, Executive Director of the foundation, said the goal of the walk is to raise funds for the foundation to assist those in need, but also to be able unite and support survivors, families, neighbors, and those battling breast cancer. The family-oriented event will include a mindfulness meditation, exercise warm-ups and cool downs, and the return of the “Circle of Strength” where breast cancer warriors and survivors will be surrounded and supported by family and friends and captured from above in an aerial photo.
“Many women in our area are in need of screening mammograms and other diagnostic tests, but they face barriers such as lack of insurance, high costs or limited access to facilities,” said Dr. David Weintritt, local breast surgeon and Founder of the National Breast Center Foundation. “Without getting the preventative care they need, they increase the risk of later stage detection and decreased survival rates,” Weintritt added. Noting that this is a global problem, Dr. Weintritt stated that the National Breast Center Foundation is committed to focusing “right here in our community to impact the lives of women and families who are our neighbors. The Walk to Bust Cancer is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community and solidarity. It brings together individuals who are passionate about making a difference and offers a platform for us to honor and support those affected by breast cancer. We truly believe in the importance of our mission and remain steadfast on our path. The lives we touch and the progress we make are a direct result of the support and encouragement of our donors, sponsors and participants.”
Not only has the National Breast Center Foundation assisted hundreds of women and families with screenings, diagnostic exams, genetic testing, and other procedures since it was founded in 2015, it has built an extensive network of strategic referral partnerships with other community organizations and overhauled, fast-tracked, and simplified a tedious and inefficient system. In many cases, the foundation has been able to expedite a patient’s additional diagnostic testing, treatment, and even surgical care when warranted, eliminating wait times that can stretch into months.
A pair of giant angel wings, now a known symbol of the Walk to Bust Cancer, will be traveling to different locations throughout Alexandria, Arlington and surrounding areas, bringing a colorful reminder about breast cancer awareness during the month of October. People can take photos, tag on Instagram and Facebook, register for the walk, donate, and learn more about breast cancer risks and genetic testing. In honor of long-time Walk to Bust Cancer Committee member and creator of the Angel Wings, the wings are now named the Mary’s Wings. Edwards, who passed in January 2022, had said “The wings allow people to honor those who have lost their battles but also represent those being lifted up and supported as they fight along their journey.”
For more information about the walk, please go to www.walktobustcancer.org or email [email protected].
Located in Alexandria, Virginia, the National Breast Center Foundation (nationalbreastcenterfoundation.org) exists to improve the lives of women by removing barriers that prevent them from getting proper screening, diagnosis, treatment and education about breast cancer.
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