My name is Cristina, I am 18 years old, and 12 years NED! I am a biochemistry major at Stonehill College studying to, hopefully, be a pediatric general surgeon. And here is my story: On March 1, 2011 I was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer, called a Wilm’s tumor, and from that day forward I knew my life would never be the same. At the time I was only 6 and didn’t really know what the doctors meant by the word “cancer”, I had never heard of that word before, and being told that I had cancer was not something that I ever expected to ever hear, let alone at age 6. That day my life changed; what used to be a normal life and a normal day of school and playdates and hanging with friends, quickly turned into a very dark and depressing world and place to be. My surgeon originally thought that he would be able to wait until the end of the week to perform my surgery, but with more extensive scans that was not the case. The following day I had my surgery, what was supposed to be 4-6 hours ended up being over 12 hours. After surgery I spent roughly 2 weeks in the hospital. Hasbro Children’s Hospital had now become my second home, and sometimes I would spend more time there than my own home with my family and friends. I went through 10 rounds of radiation and 26 rounds of chemotherapy. It was both physically and mentally draining and trying. Finally on September 15, 2011 I was declared NED and had my last round of chemo. I was never a normal kid, I was always different in other ways, but the day I was diagnosed was definitely the day that really showed that I’m different, but I am also strong and I am stronger than most kids my age.
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.