1st Annual Gloria Gemma 5K Run/Walk Set for October 10th
Posted Sunday, 9 August, 2009
Providence, RI – Runners and walkers, experienced and amateurs and those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer are encouraged to walk or run in the fight against breast cancer at the inaugural Gloria Gemma 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, October 10, 2009 in downtown Providence, RI.
Proceeds from the 1st Annual Gloria Gemma 5K Run/Walk (www. FlamesofHope5K.com) will benefit the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation (www.GloriaGemma.org). The Foundation provides support and resources to breast cancer patients and their families.
Breast cancer statistics are staggering both locally and nationwide:
- 1 in every 6 women in Rhode Island will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
- 1 in every 8 women in the USA will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
- 1 woman dies every 13 minutes in the United States from breast cancer.
Gloria Gemma, the mother of nine, lost her battle with breast cancer in 2002. Two years later, Anthony Gemma co-founded the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation in honor of his mother. “When my mother was diagnosed, she was in stage 4 and it was too late,” said Gemma. “If breast cancer is detected early, the chances of survival are greater than 95%. We want to generate awareness so that women understand the importance of early detection and annual mammograms. That is our primary goal. The Foundation’s overall mission is to raise breast cancer awareness, increase breast health education, and generate funding for critical breast health programs that are in desperate need of being brought to fruition.”
In an effort to increase awareness and generate funds for the Foundation, the Gloria Gemma 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Oct. 10th at 10 a.m. The event will serve as the kickoff to a day of activities leading up to the 4th Annual Flames of Hope of WaterFire…A Celebration of Life at WaterFire event evening at the State House in Providence.
The 2009 Gloria Gemma 5K Run/Walk also serves as the launch of the Flames of Hope “5K’s in 5 Counties” Series. The additional 5K’s will be held in 2010 in the five Rhode Island counties. The series will culminate at the 2010 Flames of Hope…A Celebration of Life at WaterFire.
“Our goal is to have five resource centers in Rhode Island - one in each county, so that those inflicted with breast cancer throughout Rhode Island can have a place to heal within their neighborhood”, said Gemma. “This Series supports our mission and expands our reach.”
To register for the Gloria Gemma 5K or to make a donation to the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, visit: www. FlamesofHope5K.com.
About the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation was established in 2004 in memory Gloria Gemma and in honor of her courageous fight against breast cancer. The Foundation’s mission is to raise breast cancer awareness, increase breast health education, and generate funding for critical breast health programs that are in desperate need of being brought to fruition. 100% of the net proceeds will remain right here in our local community.
Facebook 
Twitter
i