On July 22, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was 42 years old and told I had cancer. Within a few days I was back in the oncologist's office to have additional testing. Once my results came back, my oncologist told me that I had stage two, grade two, triple negative invasive ductal breast cancer in my left breast. My tumor was 11cm and my genetics came back negative. I was told that triple negative breast cancer was so invasive that I needed to start treatment within the next few weeks. I had port surgery on August 12, and started chemotherapy treatments right away in order to shrink the tumor first. On August 18th I began a 12-week regiment of Paclitaxel & Carboplatin (CT) chemotherapy infusions, followed by 4 biweekly dose dense Adriamycin & Cyclophosphamide (AC) also known as "Red Devil" chemotherapy treatments. This chemotherapy treatment was difficult, and I was admitted into the hospital twice, during that time I had two blood transfusions and was also diagnosed with Chron's disease. I finally completed the first stage of my treatment in January 2021, and I was scheduled for surgery 6 weeks later. At the end of February, a week before I turned 43, I had a lumpectomy with 7 lymph nodes removed. On April 23, 2021, after having 25 radiation treatments I received a certificate of completion by my Radiologist. Due to concerns with swelling & pain in my left arm and side, I was referred to a lymphatic massage therapist who I still see to this day. I am now almost three years out and thriving. My hair has grown back, my mobility has improved, I am able to exercise and went back to work. I even decided to go back to school to complete my bachelor's degree in business administration and healthcare management. I appreciate life, my family, my friends and enjoy each and every day I have. I am so grateful to be here and although I went through such a difficult time, I have learned that self-care is extremely important. My body, mind and spirit were pushed to its limits, but I pushed back and won!
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.