Making a Difference...

Since its inception, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation has assisted many local breast health organizations and provided resources for countless women suffering from breast cancer.  We have worked diligently to raise breast cancer awareness, increase breast health education, and generate funding for critical breast health programs.  Due to the increase in awareness and education, statistics now show that breast cancer incidence and mortality rates are declining in Rhode Island.  While we have made great strides in the fight against this horrific disease, we continue to pave the way to a cure for breast cancer.

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource & Wellness Center opened its doors in February 2008 and provides access to education on virtually any topic related to breast cancer.  The Wellness & Resource Center also features medical reference books, books available for loan, informational DVDs, and computer access to help patients, family and friends obtain information about prevention, diagnosis, treatment, clinical research, symptom management, nutrition, spirituality, complimentary therapies and information on life as a breast cancer “survivor”.

Our comprehensive website, www.gloriagemma.org was designed to provide breast cancer/breast health information to anyone seeking this type of information.  This innovative website features a comprehensive “Resource” section which was developed to help you find information relating to breast cancer, physicians, breast health facilities including treatment, support, and research, and many other resources.  It also features a breast cancer facts and statistics, information relating to grants and funding, listings of upcoming events, programs, inspirational stories and poems, and a great marketplace filled with fun and useful merchandise that is cancer friendly.

In addition to our innovative website, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation also participates in most health fairs, health and fitness expositions, and women’s workshops in an effort to raise awareness, increase education and generate funding.  In our effortss to reach younger women, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation also visits local high schools and colleges and educates students on the importance of early detection and breast self exam, which is recommended at age 20.

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation hosts and participates in many fundraising events throughout the year in an effort to generate funding for critical breast health programs.  The Foundation’s Flames of Hope...A Celebration of Life at  WaterFire Awareness and Fundraising event continues to be our signature event, reaching a record 100,000 attendees in 2007, and successfully increased awareness and education by communicating the importance of early detection and monthly breast self exam.    Many other exciting events occur throughout the year.  Visit www.gloriagemma.org for al listing of events.

Funding has been provided to Rhode Island Cancer Council for the publication and distribution of a most valuable breast cancer guide.  This guide has been distributed throughout most of Rhode Island via breast health centers, doctor offices, and treatment facilities in an effort to increase awareness of a breast cancer patient options and resources.  A copy of this guide can be obtained through the Rhode Island Cancer Council by calling 401-728-4800 or visit their website at www.ricancercouncil.org.

Funding has also been provided to the Healing Co-op for an innovative breast health programs focused on creative healing.  These programs enable the Healing Co-Op to do their work with breast cancer patients and survivors and resulted in a published book, play and many creative arts programs designed to help breast cancer patients and their families cope with this disease.