Swing to Bust Cancer this May!
Martha Carucci, Executive Director of the National Breast Center Foundation, is always on the move. In the course of 24 hours, I bumped into her twice – at the Spring2ACTion kickoff event, and the following morning at The Chamber ALX’s Coffee & Connections at the new Inova Health Center in Oakville. Martha is the type of person that you can instantly open up to, and within minutes I found myself sharing how rattled I was by a friend’s recent diagnosis. That friend had a double mastectomy yesterday. When someone you love must endure such an aggressive treatment plan and long recovery, hugs and well wishes don’t seem to be enough. It also hits home how important it is to regularly monitor ourselves, and to advocate for those who do not have access to mammograms or health screenings.
Martha gave me some helpful advice and shared more about two of the National Breast Center Foundation’s annual events. The first, Swing to Bust Cancer Golf Tournament is coming up on May 12 at The Belle Haven Country Club. It started ten years ago to raise funds towards their programs that include screening medically underserved people for breast cancer. Founded and led by leading breast surgeon, Dr. David Weintritt, the foundation is able to provide additional diagnostic testing and surgical services.
“Swing” as the event has come to be called expanded in 2020, and now includes a Ladies Tennis Tournament which sells out annually. There is a reception held afterwards, and there are a few sponsorship opportunities still available. Funds raised help hundreds of women receive mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies they otherwise would not have received.
Photo: M Stuart Kendall
The second, larger event, The Walk to Bust Cancer, will be held at Fort Hunt Park on the morning of Sunday, October 19. “This is a 1.2 mile loop around the park, so that women who are still going through treatment can participate,” Martha shared. “There is also mindful meditation, a DJ and the Circle of Strength, where all survivors and warriors are surrounded in a big circle by family and friends. The energy and love just takes your breath away.”
Photo: M. Stuart Kendall
The iconic Angel Wings, painted by one of Martha’s best friends who died from metastatic breast cancer, have become a staple of the event. Replicas are made and brought around the City of Alexandria during the month of October. What began as a way to support local businesses who supported the foundation during Covid has grown each year. The Angel Wing Challenge has added to the fun, as participants “find the wings around town and tag a sponsoring exercise studio or boutique. This is our community, this is how we support each other.”
If you’re interested in learning more visit: Swing To Bust Cancer and The National Breast Center Foundation; Donations are always appreciated.
SEE ALSO: A Community That Cares: ACT for Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion Kicks Off
