FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Joseph Phommasith / 401-421-0606 / joseph@rickmangroup.com

June 6, 2012 [Pawtucket] The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is hosting a healing arts event at Providence Place Mall on Saturday June 9, 2012 from noon until 3:00 p.m. Free and open to the public, the event is an opportunity for shoppers to become artists by creating clay starfish, which will eventually be kiln-fired and included in a five-panel public art installation. The event is being held at the Level 1 Macy’s Court and will feature NBC 10 Health Check reporter Barbara Morse Silva.

“The Foundation works on a healing arts project every year and this is the largest one we’ve ever undertaken,” said Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation Executive Director Maria Gemma. “This year, with our Starfish Project, we’re gathering thousands of clay starfish, handmade by Rhode Islanders, to honor, remember and celebrate local lives touched by breast cancer.”

For the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, the starfish is a symbol of guidance, vigilance, inspiration, brilliance and salvation. The creature’s regenerative ability—a starfish can heal itself after injury—was of particular appeal to the Foundation’s team members.

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These handmade clay Starfish Project pieces honor patients, survivors, family members, caregivers and health professionals whose lives have been altered by breast cancer, the third leading cause of death from cancer in Rhode Island. The purpose of the eventual healing arts installation is to celebrate the regeneration of life and the journey of faith, hope strength, courage and determination.

This year’s starfish theme is suitable for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation due not only to Rhode Island’s nickname, the Ocean State, but also, according to Gemma, thanks to a legend with an unknown author.

“The story takes place on a beach covered in hundreds of starfish, washed up by the tide” Gemma paraphrased. “A boy is picking them up one at a time and throwing them back into the ocean, rescuing them from certain peril. A man approaches the boy and says, ‘There are so many beaches and so many starfish dying. Do you really think what you’re doing is making difference?’”

Gemma added, “The boy bends down, picks up a starfish, throws it into the ocean and turns to the man and says, ‘I made a difference for that one.’”

Participants at the June 9th event will be invited to honor anyone whose life has been impacted by breast cancer. Though their ultimate destination is the abovementioned installation, the starfish created at this special event will be displayed in a Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation display window on the Francis Street side of Providence Place.

“Providence Place is the perfect location for this event,” said Maria Gemma. “In October, which is breast cancer awareness month, we’re right outside their door at the State House for our annual Flames of Hope event. Holding this healing arts workshop at Providence Place is an ideal way to reach people who may not be familiar with our work.”

Providence Place Marketing Manager Stephanie Rice, who is relatively new to Rhode Island, emphasized the importance of supporting a local organization, like the Pawtucket-based Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, especially in a small state.

“I moved here two years ago,” Rice said, “and it quickly became apparent how important Gloria Gemma is to this state.”

Rice added, “Providence Place is thrilled to be involved in the Starfish Project.”

Gemma agreed, “The Starfish Project is what the Foundation is all about—helping one person at a time.”

The Gloria Gemma Foundation was established in 2004 in loving memory of Gloria J. Gemma and to honor her courageous fight against breast cancer. The organization’s mission is to raise breast cancer awareness; increase breast health education; enhance the quality of life for breast cancer patients, as well as their families and friends; and generate funding for local breast health programs. For more information, please call 401-861-HOPE (4376) or visit www.gloriagemma.org.