A Mississippi woman has made a 1,000-mile trip to Washington, D.C., on foot in an effort to share the harsh realities of breast cancer.
Paulette Leaphart is a breast cancer survivor and had a double mastectomy. She made part of her trip topless to bring attention to the toll the disease takes on women.
Leaphart left Biloxi, Miss., in April and arrived in the District last week. On Saturday, supporters and other survivors joined her on a walk to Capitol Hill.
She said after her diagnosis, she lost everything trying to take care of her family while getting treatment.
"No American should have to choose between food and medicine. So, it's time for a change and I'm fighting. I have meetings set up with members of Congress next week and I'm praying they will open their hearts, not just their ears, but their hearts to hear from us, the people," said Leaphart.
Leaphart will also meet with District leaders to discuss cancer research and the effort to find a cure.
