NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — About 200 paddlers launched their kayaks in Wickford Harbor on Sunday to raise money for breast cancer care and research in Rhode Island.

Paddle for Progress RI was founded in 2023 by Deb Shapiro and her daughter Daryl, who are both breast cancer survivors.

"As we got back on our feet, so to speak, we decided... [to] bring visibility that there was exceptional precision breast care here in Rhode Island," Deb Shapiro said.

This year's charity paddle was the largest event yet and celebrated the work of Dr. Theresa Graves, the Director of the Breast Center at Rhode Island Hospital. Graves is preparing to retire after more than three decades caring for patients in Rhode Island, including both Deb and Daryl Shapiro.

"It's been the effort of my 31 years in Rhod

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