Gloria Gemma Foundation to host 10th Flames of Hope celebration

Meri R. Kennedy
Posted 8/27/15

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation has announced changes to the 10th anniversary of the Flames of Hope Celebration.

The two-day gathering, the largest breast cancer awareness event …

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Gloria Gemma Foundation to host 10th Flames of Hope celebration

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The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation has announced changes to the 10th anniversary of the Flames of Hope Celebration.

The two-day gathering, the largest breast cancer awareness event in the Northeast, will now take place Oct. 3-4 – a week earlier than usual – to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event will begin with the “Your Passport to Survivorship and Wellness” program, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 3 at the Renaissance Providence Hotel and Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The program is open to all cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones, and will feature 30-plus vendors focused on cancer and healthy living. There will be cooking demonstrations, interactive health activities, a survivor’s lounge, a bookstore, information and resources and some nationally recognized speakers, including Geralyn Lucas, a survivor and author of “Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy.”

NBC 10 news anchor and health check reporter Barbara Morse Silva will serve as honorary chairperson and emcee of the event.

“We’re excited about this event because education, information and resources are a big part of what we do, and ‘Passport’ is going to have that and much more,” said Maria Gemma, executive director of the foundation. “This is more than a cancer expo. It is a healthy living event, and anyone wanting to learn how to live a healthier life and reduce their risk of cancer should attend.”

At sundown on Oct. 3 will be the emotional “Illuminations of Life Ceremony: A Decade of Hope Torch Procession.” One hundred fifty torchbearers, many of them survivors, will line up at the State House for a procession to the Providence River Basin to the light the largest WaterFire of the season. This will be preceded by a beautifully choreographed ceremony on the State House steps.

The Flames of Hope will also host the Celebration Village, which is a festive, family-oriented event taking place in Station Park (across from the Providence Place Mall) and will include several pavilions, including the garden of hope, healing arts activities, a movie theater and resources and shopping. Also enjoy a free live concert by Decadia, an ’80s tribute band. The Celebration Village opens at 3 p.m.

After the WaterFire lighting, there will be a Pink Party. This is a ticketed event that offers food stations, a cash bar, music and dancing. For more on Celebration Village and to purchase tickets for the exclusive Pink Party, visit flamesofhoperi.org. The Flames of Hope Illuminations of Life torch ceremony coincides with the largest WaterFire lighting of the season.

“It’s hard to believe we have been hosting the Flames of Hope event for 10 years. This is a very special year, and there may be a surprise or two this year,” Gemma said.

On Oct. 4 is the popular Flames of Hope Run/Walk Series. This annual event is always drenched in pink. It features three distinct races: the Kids Fun Run, the Pink Pump Palooza, and the Gloria Gemma 5K. Prizes and awards will be given for the fastest times and highest fundraisers. Register as an individual or create a team at flamesofhoperi.org.

“The Flames of Hope Run/Walk Series is so much fun for everyone, because there is a race for everyone,” Gemma said.

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation’s journey began in 2004, two years after the local non-profit’s namesake, Gloria Gemma, lost her fight with breast cancer.

At the time, little was available locally in terms of support and educational resources.

Since then, the organization has directly touched the lives of tens of thousands of individuals affected by breast cancer with life-changing information, programs, and services.

To register for any of the events and for a more detailed description of offerings, visit flamesofhoperi.org.

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