2024 -- S 2748

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LC005599

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO GLORIA GEMMA FOUNDATION

     Introduced By: Senators McKenney, and Pearson

     Date Introduced: March 08, 2024

     Referred To: Senate Finance

     WHEREAS, The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation ("Gloria Gemma"),

an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has served as a beacon of hope over the last

twenty years for people touched by cancer throughout Rhode Island and surrounding

communities; and

     WHEREAS, According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Rhode Island has the

highest incidence of breast cancer diagnoses, and the World Population Review ranks Rhode

Island tenth out of fifty states for highest incidence of all cancers combined; and

     WHEREAS, The National Cancer Institute reported that "as of January 2022, it is

estimated that there are 18.1 million cancer survivors in the United States representing

approximately 5.4% of the population, projected to increase by 24.4%, to 22.5 million, by 2032";

and

     WHEREAS, Gloria Gemma has earned a stellar reputation as a leader in cancer

rehabilitation and survivorship, which has captured the attention of national organizations; and

     WHEREAS, They offer direct support to cancer patients and survivors with support

groups facilitated by licensed medical social workers, and also provide financial support to low-

income cancer patients experiencing economic hardships as a result of their cancer diagnoses; and

     WHEREAS, Through Gloria Gemma's innovative programs and direct support, they are

helping cancer patients and survivors emotionally heal from the trauma caused by their cancer

diagnoses; and

     WHEREAS, Gloria Gemma's approach to emotional, physical, and spiritual healing is to

provide innovative programming delivered with compassionate care; and

     WHEREAS, Although Rhode Island has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the

country, it also ranks fourth in the country for breast cancer screenings; and

     WHEREAS, Gloria Gemma believes the high rate of screenings is due to the free

education and awareness the organization provides to the general public and to the people they

serve; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island also has one of the lowest cancer mortality rates in the

country, which can be attributed to early detection from regular cancer screenings; and

     WHEREAS, Gloria Gemma provides up-to-date cancer education to the community to

reduce their risks of developing cancer, and education to survivors to help them reduce their risks

of recurrence; and

     WHEREAS, The Gloria Gemma Foundation partners with all the medical facilities in

order to deliver comfort and care when a cancer patient needs it most; and

     WHEREAS, Gloria Gemma also offers free yoga, exercise, and nutrition classes to help

cancer patients and survivors live healthier lives; and

     WHEREAS, The organization believes that cancer survivorship should be accessible to

all, regardless of where people come from or who they are; and

     WHEREAS, As there is no finite timeline on cancer survivorship, as it is a perpetual

process, the organization ensures all people can participate in the programs for as long as they

feel they need them; and

     WHEREAS, Gloria Gemma is pushing the boundaries of traditional support and

providing creative programming that promotes healing of the whole person and generates social

networking opportunities for patients and survivors to connect with one another; now, therefore

be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2024-2025, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars

($500,000) to provide operational support for the Gloria Gemma Foundation; and the state

controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for

payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time required, upon receipt of properly

authenticated vouchers.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO GLORIA GEMMA FOUNDATION

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     This resolution would appropriate the sum of $500,000 to the Gloria Gemma Fountain.

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