Cristina Seaver ’21

As October approaches and the fall weather begins to set in, Halloween plans and apple picking should not be the only reminder of the time. October is also breast cancer awareness month. This annual campaign works to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds that help in the treatment, cure, and prevention of breast cancer. Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. In fact, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, meaning that over 250,000 women in the United States are diagnosed each year. As millions of women are at risk for the disease, programs like the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation work to raise awareness and funds to combat the illness. On Sunday, September 30th, sixty members of LaSallian Youth participated in the Gloria Gemma Walk and Run Series to partake in the message.

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families that are touched by cancer in local communities throughout Rhode Island. The Foundation is an outreach from the Gloria Gemma Treatment Center in Pawtucket, RI. Each year, the Foundation hosts several events called “Flames of Hope” which raise funds for a cure. Along with “Gloria’s Angels” and the “Illuminations of Life Ceremony,” the 5K race specifically targets helping those living with the disease.

At the race, everyone, from grandparents to babies, were dressed in pink attire from head to toe. At any given moment a pink ribbon or tutu would brush past the finish line. Between the sponsored runners and families pushing baby carriages with matching shirts, the feeling of togetherness was evident. As the diverse group of La Salle students walked together, they wore matching hot pink t-shirts which read “Let’s ram out breast cancer!”  Everyone came together to fight against the cause. Throughout the walk, families touched by the disease shared their stories. In a climate of despair, this provided them a place to connect and support one another.  At the end of the 5K, it was announced that $93,852.50 had been raised in a single morning. As a walker, this inspired me.  By making a commitment to walk that morning, the event allowed me to make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by breast cancer.