NEWS RELEASE
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Contact: Carol Donnelly, 401-556-7665
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Gloria Gemma Facebook: www.facebook.com/GloriaGemma Instagram: @gloriagemmafoundation
For Immediate Release
“Scar Art” class empowers cancers survivors to use art as a tool for emotional healing
LINCOLN, RI (November 19, 2024) The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, a Rhode Island Nonprofit, based in Lincoln, Rhode Island will exhibit ScART art from its healing arts program, SheRose, at Pawtucket City Hall, presented by the Pawtucket Arts and Culture Commission.
Twenty-three cancer patients and survivors of the Gloria Gemma Foundation participated in the 7-month long SheRose program, The SheRose Experience was created by Lisa McKenzie, founder of YouNights Events, and the Gloria Gemma Foundation worked with McKenzie to adapt the program to fit the needs of the people it serves. This four-part program was designed to benefit participants through unique group experiences, and participants had the opportunity to express themselves through painting, journaling, and sharing. The fourth part of the program included an empowering makeover and photoshoot at Alexandra’s Too, in Fall River, Massachusetts.
“This is the second year we have done this program, and the positive impact it has had on the participants is amazing,” said Maria Gemma Corcelli, the Foundation’s executive director. “They had homework to do which enabled them to look at their trauma and surgical and emotional scars through a new lens.”
“Pawtucket is honored to host this exhibit,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “The courage and creativity of these survivors serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. By showcasing their art, we not only celebrate their resilience but also bring awareness to the importance of programs that support healing and emotional well-being. We are proud to have the Pawtucket Arts and Culture Commission partner with the Gloria Gemma Foundation.”
The art exhibit depicts the individual and collective strengths of the participants, In addition, to the SheRose Program exhibit, two more of the Foundation’s programs will be featured: The Shining Your Light on Grief Program which was designed to help people struggling with their grief after losing a loved one to cancer. The group was facilitated by certified grief counselor, Susan Lataille and the result of the program is a compilation of authors in a book entitled, Forever in Our Hearts. This is the second anthology of the Foundation’s program, Also, another journaling program for survivors enabled participants to heal through writing which inspired the book entitled, Stories of Hope & Resilience in the Face of Cancer.
“We implemented these programs because we understand the people we serve, and we listen to their needs. The participants in all these programs were allowed to openly express themselves and they discovered their individual and collective strengths.” said Gemma Corcelli.
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Established in 2004, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is a private nonprofit committed to helping people touched by cancer heal mind, body and spirit. Located in Lincoln, and their mission is to offer healing and hope to all
cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones through innovative programming and support services that educate, empower, and enhance the lives of the people we serve. Gloria Gemma is funded solely by the generosity of private and business donors, grants and corporate sponsorships, and 90-percent of all monies raised goes directly to the free holistic programs and support services it provides.