May 1, 2015

Is my bus driver wearing pink?

Odds are the answer is yes if it’s Wednesday, May 6, 2015.  The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is once again partnering with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, iHeartRadio and other organizations to help raise public awareness about breast cancer and the importance of education and screening.

RIPTA drivers, operational employees and senior executive staff will be wearing special t-shirts designed for the day and the transit authority is encouraging passengers to don pink as well.

“Mother’s Day is coming up and this is a great time to remind all women to take charge of  their health,” said Barbara Polichetti, Director of Public Affairs for RIPTA.  “We created a hashtag for the event  – #pinkout4mom – and we’re asking people take pictures of themselves wearing pink and post to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.”

“The outpouring of support and participation in last year’s Pink Out™ from RIPTA drivers, employees and passengers was phenomenal,” said Maria Gemma, Executive Director of the foundation.  “It’s all about encouraging women to become more proactive with their health through routine mammograms and screenings.”

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and one in six Rhode Island women will be diagnosed with the disease during her lifetime.

“It is an honor for RIPTA to partner with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Foundation and support their efforts,” said RIPTA CEO Raymond Studley.  “Our employees recognize the importance of creating community awareness, as early detection of breast cancer is often key to successful treatment.” 

For more information please visit www.ripta.com or www.gloriagemma.org.