Gemma foundation creates first expo for wellness, survivorship

PAWTUCKET – The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is holding its first free health and wellness expo, “Your Passport to Survivorship + Wellness,” on Oct. 3.
The expo will address all cancers, not just breast cancer. Some of the other agencies that will be on hand include the Melanoma Foundation of South Kingstown, the Pancreatic Cancer Affiliation of Rhode Island of Cranston and the American Lung Association’s Rhode Island chapter.
“No matter what kind of cancer someone has been affected by, [survivors and their families] share a common bond, and this expo will have all the resources under one roof to help those affected move forward,” said foundation Executive Director Maria Gemma Corcelli.
The conference, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Renaissance Downtown Providence Hotel and at the VETS Memorial Auditorium, is open to all survivors, their families and anyone looking to live a healthier lifestyle.
Although it is an all-day event, participants can come at any time and also can attend the evening events near the Statehouse, which include an “Illuminations of Life Hope Torch” procession and a festival at Station Park across from the Providence Place mall.
The expo provides access to more than 50 organizations specializing in health, wellness and cancer care. It includes a patient/survivor connections lounge where people can share their stories and connect. An interactive health zone provides health screenings and information on fitness and survivorship. A nutrition lab promotes healthy eating habits and how to prepare healthy foods from nutritionists as well as various local restaurants.
Three keynote speakers include Geralyn Lucas, author of “Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy & Then Came Life”; Barbara Musseer, author of “Sexy after Cancer”; and Michael Samuelson, author of “Beyond Cancer Survival: Living a Life of ‘Thrival’ & Voices from the Edge”.
Sponsors include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Astra Zeneca, Radiology Associates Greystone, Ava Anderson Nontoxic, Women’s Medicine Collaborative of Lifespan, MN Law Offices, South County Health, Southcoast Health and Whole Foods.
To preregister for the expo or for more information, visit flamesofhoperi.com.

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