Breast Cancer Awareness Month in RI Officially Starts with Gloria Gemma Press Conference

PAWTUCKET, RI – Today marks the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Rhode Island, breast cancer is the most commonlydiagnosed and second deadliest form of cancer among women. One out of every six Rhode Island women will be diagnosed with the disease during her lifetime.

At a press conference that took place at the Rhode Island State house on Wednesday morning, the Gloria Gemma Foundation was joined by people from the community and elected officials at a press conference kicking off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Rhode Island.

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation’s journey began a decade ago, two years after the local nonprofit’s namesake lost her fight with breast cancer. At the time, there were hardly any local support and education resources available for this disease. Since then, the organization has directly touched the lives of tens of thousands of individuals affected by breast cancer with life-changing information, programs, and services.

“10 years later, we’re still here for individuals and families affected by breast cancer and are proud to continue our work of providing education, awareness, and support to people in our local communities,” said Maria Gemma, the organization’s executive director. “While breast cancer—and our work—is year-round, the month of October is a time when the entire state really pays closer attention to this very serious disease.”

During the press conference, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse shared brief remarks about the statewide impact of the Gloria Gemma Foundation. “There are very few mothers who could be proud of what their children have done. She must be looking down—when the dome [of the State House] lights up pink and the river lights up on fire, you’ll feel the flames of her inspiration.”

Additionally, the Gloria Gemma Foundation made a check presentation to the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Women’s Cancer Screening Program (WCSP)—continued support made possible through proceeds from the recently completed first round of Gloria Gemma’s Ribbon of Hope license plate. The WCSP will use the donation to expand life-saving breast health screenings for uninsured, underinsured, and low-income women.

Representative Thomas J. Winfield—who along with Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed, sponsored the legislation to create the new license plates—also joined the Foundation in the check presentation.

Two-time breast cancer survivor and Providence resident Mary Jane Bohlen also spoke about her personal experiences since connecting with the local nonprofit four years ago.

On Wednesday morning, the Gloria Gemma Foundation also announced a special collection of charcoal drawings called the “Fight and Flight Exhibition” by award-winning illustrator and children books author and breast cancer survivor Mary Jane Begin. The exhibit will be on display through October 21^st in the Bell Room at the Rhode Island State House. On Saturday, October 11, the Fight and Flight Exhibition will be temporarily relocated to the 9^th annual Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life^TM.

Now in its ninth year, the Flames of Hope event has grown into one of the largest of its kind in the Northeast and will take place in “Celebration Village”—located in downtown Providence’s Station Park across from Providence Place.

Wednesday’s press conference concluded with an overview of the October 10-12 event:

On Friday, October 10, the event kicks off with the unveiling of the Foundation’s annual ‘Celebrate Hope, Celebrate Life’ Calendar at an invitation-only ceremony.

On Saturday, October 11, Celebration Village comes alive at 2pm with education, support, live music, and food. That evening, the captivating Illuminations of Life Ceremony takes place on the State House steps facing downtown Providence, and concludes with a torch procession—considered as the pinnacle of the three-day event.

The celebration will conclude on Sunday, October 12, with the Flames of Hope Run/Walk Series, made up of three races: the signature Gloria Gemma 5K, Kids Fun Run, and Pink Pump Palooza.

For more information or race and torch registration, visit www.flamesofhopeseries.org.

Throughout October, cities and towns in Rhode Island will be shining bright with pink lights for the first-ever “Paint the State Pink” campaign to spread breast cancer awareness—an effort led by Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien. So far, the following municipalities will illuminate structures and buildings in partnership with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation:

• Coventry
• Cranston
• Little Compton
• North Providence
• North Smithfield
• Pawtucket
• Smithfield
• Warwick

For more information and the complete schedule of the October 10-12^th Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life™, visit www.flamesofhoperi.com.

For more information about Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, visit www.gloriagemma.org.

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