Flames of Hope celebrates life with weekend events

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — This weekend thousands of breast cancer survivors and their families will paint the Capitol City pink when the Gloria Gemma Foundation hosts its 80th annual Flames of Hope event.  

Maria Gemma, one of Gloria Gemma’s nine children, is the executive director of the non-profit, which was started in her mother’s honor after she lost her battle with breast cancer.  

The non-profit “meets people where they are” from the time they are diagnosed, during their treatment, and long after they are in recovery.

Tiffany Murphy spoke to Maria Gemma about the Gloria Gemma Foundation’s Flames of Hope event. (WLNE)

“When they smile and we’re able to provide a resource that helps them to live a better life, I see my mother’s memory in a different way,” Gemma said. “It’s just a beautiful thing to be able to make a difference.”

Gemma said that one in seven women in Rhode Island will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life. 

The organization is also helping a group of family members write a book dedicated to their loved ones who lost the battle.

That book’s release will coincide with the Flames of Hope event, and Gemma said its writing “served as a cathartic way to process grief.”

The group of authors will also host a survivor’s breakfast, a health fair, and more.

“We have a very small, dedicated team that works really hard to try to make a difference in the community,” Gemma said.

All events events put on by the foundation are open to the public. Details can be found on the foundation’s website.