PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Brown Surgical Associates’ Dr. Theresa Graves joined Paddle for Progress Rhode Island recently when the charity presented a check totaling more than $64,400 to the Brown University Health Cancer Institute. The money, raised during Paddle for Progress’ second annual event on September 22, 2024, will help support breast cancer research in Rhode Island.
Paddle for Progress was founded by Deb Shapiro and her daughter, Daryl. Diagnosed with breast cancer within 100 days of each other, the mother-daughter duo was successfully treated at the Cancer Institute’s Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic and The Center for Breast Care at Brown Surgical Associates. Turning their experience into action, Deb and Daryl started the Paddle for Progress to raise awareness about the high-caliber, precision medicine available to breast cancer patients in Rhode Island. Now in its second year, the charity’s 2024 event nearly doubled the $35,000 raised during its inaugural event, bringing the two-year total to almost $100,000.
Brown Surgical Associates proudly supports Paddle for Progress RI and was a “Big Wave” sponsor for the second year in a row.
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“When we started this event, our main goal was to create an event that would bring the community together while spotlighting the extraordinary care available at the Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic and raising some money for advancements in breast cancer treatments locally. It has since grown into something bigger and much more profound,” Shapiro said. “The outpouring of support we’ve received from the community and local businesses these first two years has far exceeded any expectations we had. Our goal is to raise $1 million in our lifetimes, and we’re going to paddle our way there.”
More than 100 people turned out for the 2024 event, taking to North Kingstown’s Wickford Harbor in kayaks, row boats, and on paddleboards. Among them were Deb and Daryl’s doctors – Dr. Graves, director of The Center for Breast Care at Brown Surgical Associates and clinical director of the Breast Cancer Center of the Brown University Health Cancer Institute; Dr. Stephanie Graff, director of breast oncology at the Brown University Health Cancer Institute; and Dr. Martha Mainiero, radiologist and medical director of the Anne C. Pappas Center for Breast Imaging.
“Paddle for Progress allows people to come together for something much bigger than themselves,” Dr. Graves said. “Breast cancer affects so many families in Rhode Island, so everyone who participates understands the true impact these funds can have–with 100% of the money they’ve helped raise going toward advancements that make a real difference for breast cancer patients.”
“Everyone, from those who paddled to the generous sponsors, is helping elevate the level of breast cancer care available here in Rhode Island. That money not only funds research and new therapies but it also helps pay for the space and staff needed to operate the numerous centers throughout the state. This enables us to provide patients with convenient, compassionate, personalized care that’s close to home,” Dr. Graff said.
While no date has been set, Paddle for Progress is already starting to plan its 2025 event.
