Oct 05 2024 18 mins
It's a weekend of celebration for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, now in its 20th year! "Once a year, thousands of people gather to light the way towards hope and healing for anyone touched by breast cancer. Gloria Gemma's Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life™ was created to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the city of Providence PINK and sparking a movement to inspire awareness, compassion, and support. This weekend-long celebration embraces everyone who has been impacted by cancer." As Wellness Center Instructor, Shakay J. Kizirian MSW, LCSW describes the experience, "It's like an episode of Entertainment Tonight!" She checks in with us to detail the festivities and on latest happenings at the foundation. She describes the weekend which begins on Saturday morning with the Passport to Survivorship Expo at the Rhode Island Convention Center, next is the afternoon celebration outside at Station Park for the FREE Celebration of Life Festival, featuring the Illuminations of Life Ceremony and Torch Procession, the celebration continues into Station Park for food, a FREE concert, dancing and family-fun activities, the weekend concludes on Sunday morning with the Gloria Gemma 5K. A river of pink flows through the streets of historic Providence as thousands of people come together for the Foundation’s largest fundraiser that helps support the free programs and support services offered to people touched by cancer. Shakay describes some of the latest programs and support groups, which are available to men and women with all types of cancer. The easy to follow website guides you to the support groups and programs that best fit your needs. Need help with meals? "Gloria's Angels Meal Program" provides a healthy meal delivery service for cancer patients in treatment. Having financial strains? The "Hands of Hope Program" provides financial assistance to people in active cancer treatment. Looking for support? There are many support groups that provide safe spaces to express feelings freely and judgement free. In response to this great need, The GGBCRF, is in the process of moving to a state of the art facility in Lincoln, RI. In recognition of the 20 years of service, the State of RI House of Representatives has passed a House Resolution celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the founding of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation (RI H8100 on 03/26/2024). You are encouraged to contact the foundation, they want you to know no one is turned away and you can still enjoy life with cancer.