May 5, 2014
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), in partnership with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation and Clear Channel, announced their plans to “Drive Out Breast Cancer,” with the first-ever “RIPTA Pink Out” on Friday, May 9, 2014. RIPTA drivers will take the wheel wearing exclusive “RIPTA Pink Out” t-shirts. Public transit passengers are also encouraged to wear pink in support of the all-day breast cancer education and awareness campaign.
The RIPTA Pink Out is timely, despite National Breast Cancer Awareness Month being six months away—according to Dan Bannister, RIPTA Marketing and Outreach Manager.
“As we prepare to celebrate our mothers, wives, sisters, grandmothers and many more women on Mother’s Day, we wanted to remind people that breast cancer affects people year-round; it deserves our attention and support year-round,” said Bannister, a 37-year-old Cumberland resident who began as Community Affairs Coordinator at RIPTA fourteen years ago. “May 9 will also be a day to remember the women who have suffered from a disease that has taken so many mothers from us.”
This rationale, Bannister indicates, nicely complements the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation’s continuous, yearlong commitment to offering resources to people affected by breast cancer.
One in six Rhode Island women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, a Pawtucket-based nonprofit established in 2004, offers free breast health education, awareness, and support programs statewide, in addition to some parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
“Since early detection saves lives, we’re working to empower women to become proactive with their health through routine mammograms and screenings,” said Maria Gemma, the organization’s executive director. “We’re also informing Rhode Islanders that we’re here for them if they need us. We’re extremely appreciative of RIPTA and Clear Channel for their unwavering commitment and partnership to help address a disease that affects so many local families.”
On May 9, RIPTA riders are encouraged to “Drive Out Breast Cancer” on social media by sharing a photo of how they “Pink Out” and by mentioning @GloriaGemma, @RIPTA_RI and #RIPTAPinkOut.
RIPTA, the State’s Mobility Manager, operates over 3,000 daily bus trips on over 50 bus routes throughout the state. Last year, we provided 20 million rides. RIPTA also offers passenger van “Flex” services in areas not served by fixed-route bus service. For more information on schedules or other RIPTA services, please call 401- 781-9400 or visit ripta.com.