I grew up in an underserved community with immigrant parents from South America. My parents were factory workers. I am a first generation US citizen. My mother spoke Spanish to us and my father spoke English to us so English and Spanish were both my first languages. I have an older sister and younger brother. Growing up, there were times my parents struggled and I knew I did not want that for myself. I have worked since I was a teenager. I obtained my Associates in Radiologic Technology. At 22, I had a great paying job. In my mid 30’s I had a career change and became a registered nurse. In the midst of finishing up nursing school, I met my husband during a spin class. I worked full time as a Registered Nurse in an Intermediate Care Unit. I was occupied with learning to juggle motherhood with a 10-month-old boy. My husband and I were also embracing the idea of having another child; however, we would have to start sooner than later since my first child was conceived through IVF. In June of 2019, my doctor called me to tell me I had Invasive Cell Carcinoma in my left breast. I had no questions for the doctor, like they say “ignorance is bliss”. I knew what was coming my way. Twenty rounds of chemo, hair loss, a unilateral mastectomy, numerous surgeries- one ending up with a failed expander, and 36 radiation treatments. Needless to say, it was not easy time. During this time, the whole world was living in fear - COVID. My world became lonelier. Due to the pandemic I finished my treatment alone. However, a few months before the world shut down I had the pleasure of meeting many young survivors through on of the activities held by Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Foundation. I was able to establish a relationship with some of them and we still remain close friends. They are my sisters, my pink sisters.
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.