The walk is being made in memory of health care activist Melanie Shouse. Melanie recently lost her battle with breast cancer and was an outspoken activist for the need for reform, having battled with her insurance for chemotherapy coverage.
Kirk Shelton, a building cleaner with SEIU Local 32BJ spoke at Wednesday's event, reminding the crowd that "people shouldn't have to choose between food and health care." Events and rallies are scheduled over the next week along the march route.
You can follow the march to DC on Twitter by searching for #MelaniesMarch and follow on Facebook at "March to the Finish Line for Melanie". More info at www.melaniesmarch.com.
