Serpa Promotes Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) has been asked for her assistance in promoting April as “Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month” in the state of Rhode Island.

Established in November 2011, the Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a Rhode Island nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging early detection and supporting research in hopes of a cure for one of the fastest growing cancers in the western world.

“I think almost everyone can say they know someone who has been affected by cancer,” Representative Serpa said. “But it’s important to highlight a form of cancer that doesn’t necessarily receive as much attention as the others. Oftentimes, this form of cancer is fatal and survivors can’t retain a high quality of life after undergoing surgery. I’m honored the Salgi Foundation would think of me, and I’m excited to help raise awareness of this disease.”

The foundation was created in memory of Salvatore Molfesi, who lost his courageous battle with esophageal cancer in 1998.

“As a newly formed organization, we felt that having April recognized by the state of Rhode Island as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month would be our first step in bringing awareness about this terrible disease,” said Salgi Foundation President Linda Molfesi, Salvatore’s daughter.

In 2007, Rhode Island ranked fourth in the country for incidents of cancer of the esophagus, or the tube that pushes food from the mouth to the stomach.