More than 500 people turned out Oct. 15 to participate in the second annual

Walk to Bust Cancer, raising over $40,000 to help women in need gain access to education, screening and treatment for breast cancer.

“Our region has the highest incidence and mortality from breast cancer in the nation,” said Martha Carucci, a breast cancer survivor and one of the organizers of the walk, which was held in Fort Hunt Park. “Women in our area also have one of the highest rates of late stage breast cancer. Something has to happen to address this crisis.”

Carucci and other breast cancer survivors joined with Dr. David Weintritt, founder of the National Breast Center Foundation, to organize the walk after the Vola Lawson Walk to Fight Breast Cancer was discontinued in 2014.

“Dr. Weintritt believes that education, access and technology are the answer to helping cure breast cancer,” Carucci said. “The walk is important to survivors

as well as friends and family members who are walking in memory of someone who has died from this disease.”

Weintritt founded the National Breast Center Foundation to help provide

screening, diagnosis, and education to under- and uninsured women.

“Our women are dying from breast cancer too frequently because they aren’t getting the care they need,” Weintritt said in addressing the crowd. “With your help, we will turn the tide. Your spirit, encouragement and participation will enable us to reach out and help women in our community.”

For more information, visit www.walktobustcancer.org.