While it’s important to shine a light on prevention, treatment and recovery during breast cancer month, “the work to have better outcomes is 12 months of the year, every day, every week,” says Martha Carucci, executive director of the National Breast Center Foundation (NBCF), based in Alexandria.

Dr. David Weintritt, a breast surgeon, founded NBCF in 2015, and Martha joined him, taking over the day-to-day operations. The Walk was very important to David’s patients, and when a previous iteration had stopped, they brought it back with tremendous support from the Alexandria community. 

Martha has never had breast cancer, but she has lost a couple of really close friends to it. “I want to use my voice and advocate for those who are no longer here. In D.C., we have some of the highest rates of breast cancer in the country and many are late stage diagnoses. Early detection is crucial; all men and women should have access to proper screening.”

You may have seen “Mary’s Wings” around town; they honor Mary Edwards, a long-time supporter of the Foundation, who passed away in 2022 from metastatic breast cancer. She and her sister made the original wings and brought them to the walk every year. “We made replicas, and bring them into the community to thank the businesses who have supported us. Not only are they an integral part of the Walk, they honor Mary’s legacy.”

All of the money raised goes directly to the Foundation, “we use it to get women screened, diagnosed and treated. One of our biggest partners is Nueva Vida (new life), an organization focused on helping Latino families, and to date we’ve helped over 200 women they’ve referred to us.”

NBCF just finished screening 26 women with a mammovan (mobile mammography unit), provided by Breast Care for Washington, for women who didn’t have insurance or the financial means to pay for it. “We’re small but mighty with a board of directors, and we reach the women in our community who need it most.”

Martha says we also need to encourage younger women at risk to get tested. They are being diagnosed at an alarming rate. Her advice to them: “Don’t allow a doctor to dismiss you and say ‘it’s just a cyst’ – especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.” 

She says a recurring problem is that women often fall through the cracks after receiving abnormal results from an initial mammogram. “They will need a followup diagnostic mammogram and a doctor’s referral to get it…and that can be another $100. If there’s a choice between putting food on the table or getting a doctor referral, they’re going to feed their family first.” 

How can you help? Donate or volunteer for events and/or groups that put together baskets for women going through chemo. Visit National Breast Center Foundation’s website.

The 8th Annual Walk to Bust Cancer is Saturday, October 15 at Fort Hunt Park.  Register or donate here. We hope to see you there!