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Gloria Gemma's Flames of Hope returns Oct. 2-3

Posted 9/22/21

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation has announced it will host its annual Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life Weekend on Oct. 2-3. Two of the three events that make up the weekend will be in-person events, and anyone who has participated

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The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation has announced it will host its annual Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life Weekend on Oct. 2-3. Two of the three events that make up the weekend will be in-person events, and anyone who has participated in previous years understands the excitement and palpable energy that is prevalent throughout the two days.

The weekend begins, as it has in past years, with the Passport to Survivorship Expo. This interactive health event that brings together the latest in medical cancer care with holistic well being will be virtual again this year, and registered participants will receive an activities box filled with items they will use while watching the on-demand videos. Each element in the box will correspond to 20- to 30-minute videos participants can view on the foundation’s website. The box will also contain additional giveaway items.

“People can view the videos and complete the activities when it’s convenient for them,” said Bryan Sawyer, the foundation’s COO and lead organizer of the Flames of Hope Weekend. “And it’s free, just like the Illuminations of Life Ceremony and the celebration in Station Park on Saturday night [Oct. 2].”

The coveted Illuminations of Life Ceremony, at the State House, is an inspiring event that remembers those lost to cancer, honors those who have fought and survived, and pays tribute to the metavivors who continue to fight. The ceremony features performances by the State Ballet of Rhode Island, storytelling, torchbearers and the lighting the state house in pink. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the celebration moves to Station Park for live music, dancing, and fireworks in a family-friendly atmosphere. The evening will also include two ticketed events – the Pink Party with food, dancing and a live band, and the Taste of Hope Food and Wine tasting.

“The Flames of Hope celebration is important because it brings people together who have been touched by cancer. After the year we have all experienced, this is the perfect opportunity for people to feel hopeful – to celebrate life,” Sawyer said.

The next day, the annual Gloria Gemma 5K will take place in person. The race is the foundation’s largest fundraiser and helps fund the organization’s free programs and support services provided to people affected by cancer. Prizes are also awarded for fastest times and highest fundraisers. Registering for the 5K, the Passport to Survivorship and the ticketed events at the Flames of Hope celebration can be found on the foundation’s website, www.gloriagemma.org.

“We can’t wait to bring the light back to Providence this October, and the foundation’s staff and volunteers look forward to seeing everyone there,” said Sawyer.

Established in 2004, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is a private nonprofit committed to helping people touched by cancer heal mind, body and spirit. Located in Pawtucket, its mission is to celebrate and nurture life in our local community before, during and after a cancer diagnosis by providing education, access to wellness resources and support programs to all those touched by cancer. Gloria Gemma is funded solely by the generosity of private and business donors, grants and corporate sponsorships.

Gemma, flames, hope

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