In 2003, when I was 10 years old, I received a devastating diagnosis: pre-B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a highly aggressive childhood blood cancer. This diagnosis was accompanied by symptoms such as high fevers, limping, bruising, and fatigue. My treatment journey was a demanding and traumatic experience, marked by a close encounter with death, a month-long coma, a debilitating stroke, and a year-long process of relearning fundamental skills. Simultaneously, I underwent 15 different types of chemotherapy and underwent numerous medical procedures. However, I managed to persevere and thrive with the unwavering support of therapists, medical professionals, my family, and my faith. By 2006, I believed that I had overcome the worst of the battle. Yet, at the age of 13, the cancer returned. The symptoms included blurred vision in my right eye, which turned out to be a tumor, and a relapse in my central nervous system. This led to a renewed struggle, involving more chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I held onto the belief that if I had triumphed once before, I could do it again. In 2008, at the age of 15, I celebrated the completion of my second cancer treatment, a day filled with immense joy. Despite enduring five years of hospital visits and medical challenges, I was declared "cancer-free." However, for survivors like me, this meant navigating potential late effects. In 2019, at the age of 26, eleven years after my treatment finished, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy due to my past history of childhood cancer. Yet, I didn’t let this barrier stop me from living my day to day life and pursuing my life goals and aspirations. Inspired by my resilience and life's adversities, I founded BeholdBeGold, a platform dedicated to raising awareness about the lasting impacts of childhood cancer. Survivorship may bring obstacles, but we remain resilient, alive, and grateful, a platform where we survivors can share our inspirational and motivational stories with the world. To join our message of hope, please visit beholdbegold.org.
Runway for a Cure is an event that shows child and adult cancer fighters and survivors their courageous, confidence, strength and beauty. We are partnering with local boutiques, local celebrities and community heroes to make this a show you won’t want to miss. Cocktail hour, raffles, auctions, live performances & more.
We welcome 50+ cancer fighters and survivors from all around the country, while also honoring angels lost due to cancer.
Saturday, March 23rd 2024
The Rhodes on Pawtuxet
60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI 02905
5-9 pm
Purchase Tickets: https://gohfdn.booktix.net/
Runway for a Cure Fundraising
- Donate to a cancer survivor/fighter model through their peer to peer fundraising link - 100% of your donation will go towards our programs for helping kids battling cancer. Two models (one adult and one child) who have fundraised the most, will be recognized at the show and be able to make remarks. Help us hit our fundraising goal of $100,000!
What we do
Glimmer of Hope Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that shows girls and boys their strength and beauty through the donation of bald dolls and provides HOPE to families battling childhood cancer.
Glimmer of Hope Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #851607457). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
- Bald Dolls: To make the world a less scary place for children battling cancer, we sponsor and donate dolls and bald dolls to better help children feel represented and confident during their journey.
- “Best Day Ever” Photo Shoots: A magical day for a group of girls battling cancer. The Best Day Ever features: hair and makeup services, a gift basket, a catered lunch, crafts, a princess dress and a doll in a matching princess dress, followed by a professional photoshoot at a magical location!
- Bereavement Boxes: To help heal a broken heart, we have created bereavement boxes for families we have served after their child has passed. We partner with Spencer Welch Studios to send watercolor portraits of each child as part of each box.