Bishop Hendricken High School is an all-male school; breast cancer is a disease primarily of women. For many, it may come as an ironic yet inspiring surprise to learn that the school has offered the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation a tremendous showcase of support and participation year after year. 

2014 marks the school’s fifth annual “Man Up” Against Breast Cancer awareness campaign. Hendricken’s entire student body, staff, alumni, and faculty once again will step up in a big way for the Pawtucket-based nonprofit, which works to promote breast health awareness and education, provide free programs, and services in the local community.

Hendricken – well known for its tradition of spiritual, academic, and athletic excellence – prides itself on producing young men with deep social conscience and compassion. Appropriately enough, breast cancer is a serious disease that has affected many families in Rhode Island. One out of every six women in the Ocean State will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. 

“I remember at our school assemblies, when we were asked how many of us knew someone who has been affected by breast cancer, almost every student raised his hand,” said Edward ‘Eddy’ Gemma, who graduated from Hendricken in 2014.

Eddy was 6 years old when his grandmother, Gloria Gemma – the namesake of the nonprofit established by her nine children to honor her life and fight against breast cancer – passed away in 2002. This year, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. 

“I’m reminded how quickly time flies,” reflected Eddy, who is now in his freshman year at Saint Leo University majoring in Criminal Justice. “As a young kid, I didn’t really understand the purpose of the Foundation until I got a little older and had the chance to meet some of the survivors.” 

He continued, “I remember that my grandmother was compassionate and caring,” he said. “I’m in awe that even after her death, she continues to help people.” 

Though her name has become synonymous with all things breast cancer locally, few knew who Gloria Gemma really was, according to Eddy.

“She was very kind-hearted who fit the mold of a typical Italian grandmother who would always offer food,” he recalled. “When I think of it, I sometimes get shivers down my spine because there’s so many people throughout the state that know her name.”  

Prior to 2010, the all-boys school did not have a relationship with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. “During my freshman year, I helped push the idea of getting Hendricken involved,” said Eddy, who added that the whole-hearted commitment of Joseph ‘Jay’ Brennan, the school’s principal, brought the idea to fruition.

That same year, Brennan coined the phrase “Man Up” Against Breast Cancer for Hendricken’s annual awareness campaign. According to Eddy, that expression has resonated with the entire student body and is aligned with the school’s mission.

“The phrase ‘man up’ to us means giving it our all, and then we push ourselves even further after that,” he proudly stated. “That’s the Hendricken mentality. It’s what we represent. The campaign is a way for the school to draw its line in the sand against breast cancer and make a statement that we’re not going anywhere.”

Hendricken’s “Man Up” campaign this year, which is organized by the school’s guidance counselor Nancy Rocha and led by captains of the school’s football team, began in late September with a rally at a school-wide assembly with Gary Calvino, the Foundation’s director of development. 

“It’s important for people affected by breast cancer to know that they’re not alone and that there are others in the community who are willing to walk with them through their breast cancer journey,” added the 18-year-old grandson of the late Gloria Gemma.  

This “walking” is also meant in the literal sense when it comes to the Oct. 12 Flames of Hope Run/Walk Series.

“Often times, people register for teams in support of those living with breast cancer so they can walk alongside them,” Eddy added.

Races include the signature Gloria Gemma 5K presented by The Walking Company, Kids Fun Run presented by Macy’s, and Pink Pump Palooza – a wild 50-yard dash in heels for both men and women – presented by Nordstrom. 

“My father Eddy just had knee surgery, and my aunt Maria Gemma, the Foundation’s executive director, is thinking about decorating a wheelchair for him to participate,” laughed Eddy. “But he’ll still need to wear heels.”