Gemma foundation raises $17.7K for state breast cancer screening program

PAWTUCKET – The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by presenting more than $17,000 from the sale of Ribbon of Hope license plates to the state.
The foundation hosted its first annual “Pink Ribbon Tea” at the State House and presented a check earlier this month to the R.I. Department of Health’s Women’s Cancer Screening Program for $17,760 for the sale of the license plates.
The license plates cost $41.50 and debuted in September 2014. After production costs of $21.50 per plate, $20 per plate is donated to the program. The first check delivered last year totaled $18,500.
The foundation receives no money from the sale of this specialty plate; the local organization pays to process the orders. The foundation has been providing support to the state program since 2011, providing more than $86,000 to date.
Since 1995, the state program has provided no-cost pelvic exams, Pap tests, HPV tests, clinical breast exams and mammograms to eligible Rhode Island women. The cost of many diagnostic tests are also covered.
“The need for the type of assistance that the Women’s Cancer Screening Program provides is great in Rhode Island. We are contacted often by Rhode Island women who need this kind the types of services [it] provides,” said Maria Gemma, executive director of the foundation.
For more information, visit www.gloriagemma.org.

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