Breast cancer patients across Washington and Wood counties and the nation will be offered a "Slice of Hope" in October, thanks to plans being made by The Original Pizza Place in Marietta and Parkersburg.
On Oct. 12, 5 percent of the stores' sales will be donated to the Karen Mullen Breast Cancer Foundation, a Seattle-based charity. The charity will donate nearly 100 percent of the money raised from Slice of Hope to the nation's leading breast cancer research labs.
The idea of combining pizza with breast cancer research came about because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Pizza Month
Article Photos
SHARON BOPP The Marietta Times
Kasandra Ruscitto and Richard Harris of The Original Pizza Place in Marietta practice making a pink-ribbon pizza they will offer at the “Slice of Hope” breast cancer research fundraiser Oct. 12.
"We just think it's great that pizza places all over the nation are getting involved," said Kasandra Ruscitto, marketing director for The Original Pizza Place. "It's one day we can all unite and raise money for a wonderful cause."
Breast cancer will impact hundreds of thousands of women and men this year. More than 290,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2012, and over 39,000 will die from the disease, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Cancer has touched the family of Richard Harris, manager of The Original Pizza Place in Marietta. His brother died of leukemia at a young age.
Fact Box
If you go
Who: The Original Pizza Place, Marietta and Vienna locations.
What: "Slice of Hope" breast cancer research fundraiser.
Where: 231 Second St., Marietta; Grand Central Mall, Vienna, W.Va.
When: Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Marietta; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Vienna.
Why: Five percent of day's sales will be donated to the Karen Mullen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Breast cancer statistics
In 2012, it is estimated that among U.S. women there will be over 290,000 new cases of breast cancer.
The two most common risk factors for getting breast cancer are being female and getting older. Most breast cancers and breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older.
Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen representing about one percent of all breast cancer cases in the U.S.
In 2012, it is estimated that among U.S. men there will be 2,190 new cases of breast cancer and 410 breast cancer deaths.
Source: Susan G. Komen for the Cure
"The whole topic of cancer is a sensitive subject for me," Harris said.
Harris appreciates the chance to give back to the Marietta and Parkersburg communities.
"It's neat that we have a chance to support cancer awareness and find the best way to get it cured," Harris added.
The Original Pizza Place will offer a pink-ribbon pizza the day of the event plus its regular menu.
Strong community support is expected for the event.
"We feel like our communities are really going to help us out that day," Kasandra Ruscitto said.
"The higher our percentages (sales) that day, the more money we can donate," she added.
Founded in 2011, Slice of Hope is sponsored by Pizza Today magazine. Last year, Slice of Hope raised over $100,000 for the Karen Mullen Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Original Pizza Place is located at 231 Second St., Marietta, and Grand Central Mall, Vienna.
For more information, go to theoriginalpizzaplace.com.
To place an order a day or two before the event, call (740) 374-4333 (Marietta), or (304) 428-4333 (Vienna).
