May 2, 2011 [PROVIDENCE] The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation will officially unveil the Hope Bus at the Rhode Island Business Expo on Tuesday:
WHO: Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
WHAT: Unveiling of the Hope Bus
WHEN: Tuesday, May 3 at 10:30AM
WHERE: RI Convention Center, 3rd floor, end of the #500 booth aisle
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The Hope Bus is a 38-foot, residential-style recreation vehicle (RV), acquired with a generous donation from The Halkyard Family Fund. The Gloria Gemma Foundation will use the eye-catching RV to carry out its Mobile Resource and Wellness Center, a new special outreach program designed to serve individuals in Rhode Island’s 39 towns and cities, with a special focus on individuals who are un- and underinsured, as well as low-income minorities.
The Hope Bus and the new outreach program will enable The Gloria Gemma Foundation to reach these socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, who often are unable to travel to the Pawtucket office to avail themselves of the many programs and services.
“Our residential-style recreation vehicle provides services to the community in the most direct and intimate way possible: face-to-face, helping one person at a time,” said Maria Gemma, Executive Director of The Gloria Gemma Foundation.
Since 2004, The Gloria Gemma Foundation has worked diligently to help thousands of Rhode Islanders affected by breast cancer, the third leading cause of death from cancer in our state. The Gloria Gemma Foundation was established in loving memory of Gloria J. Gemma and to honor her courageous fight against breast cancer.
Breast cancer hits close to home with the Halkyard family, as well. Joan R. Halkyard lost her battle with the devastating disease in 1997. Before the ceremony, the names of both women will be painted on the Hope Bus: ‘Gloria J. Gemma’ on the driver side door and ‘Joan R. Halkyard’ on the passenger side door, in remembrance and to symbolize their navigation of the RV on its journey throughout the state.
The Mobile Resource and Wellness Center is supported by The Rhode Island Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island Community Health Fund.
The Gloria Gemma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to raise breast cancer awareness, increase breast health education, and generate funding for critical breast health programs. For more information, please visit www.gloriagemma.org.
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