National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Underway in Rhode Island

October 1 marked the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Rhode Island, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed 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.

“Breast cancer is year-round,” said Maria Gemma, executive director of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. “We’re excited that October has arrived because it’s a time when the entire state really pays closer attention to this very serious disease that has affected so many families in the local community.”

On October 1, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation was joined by people from the community, as well as the state’s executive officials and local leaders at a press conference unveiling of its Starfish Project, the nonprofit’s largest healing arts program to-date. The captivating seven-panel art installation comprises 5,000 clay starfish that were handmade by individuals affected by breast cancer—patients, survivors, family members, friends, and medical caregivers—and will be on display indefinitely at the Providence Place Mall’s Skybridge.

At the press conference, Eileen Howard Boone—CVS Caremark Senior Vice President of Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility—announced the continuation of a partnership with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation to expand outreach to Rhode Island’s underserved communities, beginning with a Hope Bus visit to CVS/pharmacy’s Cass Avenue store location in Woonsocket on October 15. Additionally, Howard Boone indicated the support of additional community outreach workers for the Hope Bus through funds raised at this year’s CVS Caremark Charity Classic golf tournament.

Howard Boone, also the president of CVS Caremark Charitable Trust stated, “We have been honored to support the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation through a grant for its Hope Bus outreach program to ensure that people have access to the necessary screenings, resources, and health services related to breast cancer prevention and treatment.”

Last week’s press conference concluded with an announcement of the October 11-13 Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life™, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation’s annual three-day event that promotes breast cancer awareness and education and honors people living with breast cancer. Now in its eighth year, the event has grown into one of the largest of its kind in the Northeast and will take place in Downtown Providence’s Station Park.

On Friday, October 11, the event kicks off with the unveiling of the Foundation’s annual ‘Celebrate Hope, Celebrate Life’ Calendar at a special evening ceremony.

On Saturday, October 12, “Celebration Village” at Station Park will come alive at 3pm with education, support, live entertainment, and food. That evening, the captivating Illuminations of Life Ceremonywill take place on the State House steps facing downtown Providence, concluding with a torch procession—considered to be the pinnacle of the three-day event—down to the Waterplace Basin during WaterFire Providence.

The celebration will conclude on Sunday with the Flames of Hope Run/Walk Series, made up of four races: a new Gloria Gemma 10K, the annual Gloria Gemma 5K, a new Kids Fun Run, and the Pink Pump Palooza. Online registration closes on Wednesday, October 9 at 9pm, but can be done on-site. For more information, visit www.flamesofhopeseries.org.   

For more information and the complete schedule of the October 11-13 Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life™, visitwww.flamesofhoperi.com and www.facebook.com/GloriaGemma.