Local entities collaborate to assist people affected by breast cancer

PAWTUCKET – The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation and Elite Physical Therapy are working together to provide education and services to help people impacted by breast cancer.

“We are so happy to be working with Elite Physical Therapy because their core values align with our mission. We look forward to a long-term relationship with them,” Maria Gemma, executive director of the foundation, said in a prepared statement.

Elite will hold quarterly classes at the foundation; topics will focus on exercise and movement, preventing and managing osteoporosis, information about opioid use and managing low back pain. Many patients’ cancer treatments may lead to pain, reduced range of motion and opioid addiction.

“These topics are important, because the cancer treatments people had to save their lives can also have lingering side effects,” said Gemma.

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In addition, Elite is sponsoring the foundation’s “Passport to Survivorship” wellness expo in September, part of the foundation’s Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life Weekend. Physical therapists from Elite will offer mini-massages, information and resources to attendees.

“We are excited and honored to formally be part of the Gloria Gemma Foundation,” Michael Nula, founder of Elite Physical Therapy, said. “Our doctors of physical therapy are honored [by the foundation’s] trust in us, and we look forward to a long relationship of working together to improve the health and lives of Rhode Islanders recovering from cancer.”

With plans underway for an oncology therapeutic massage and lymphedema service for any individuals diagnosed with cancer who have contacted the foundation for information, several of Elite Physical Therapy’s physical therapists currently are undergoing lymphedema certification.

“We are excited that this partnership will bring more expert services and safe treatment options to more communities throughout Rhode Island,” Elite Physical Therapy co-owner Jason Harvey said.

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