a productive woman in my thirties I am now faced with some serious health challenges. I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. I chose to have a lumpectomy and I am currently awaiting chemotherapy and radiation to cure my cancer. I know this part of my life will not be an easy road to travel but I have to be optimistic and hopefully become cancer free. I have found the strength and courage to conquer this by the power of prayers. I sit by myself and often think why has god given me this to handle? My thought is god only gives us what we can handle. I must be strong enough to rise above this devastating life change as I have done in the past. Eight years had passed since being diagnosed with breast cancer. I routinely went for mammograms and they continued to be clear. Summer 2019 on yearly mammogram radiologists saw a very tiny change. Doctors confirmed invasive breast cancer in the opposite breast. I felt like I was standing in the middle of an ocean. The water was freezing and the sand was sucking my feet, swooping me underwater. Unable to breathe for a brief moment and thinking how can I go through this again. My second cancer journey my mindset was different. I was confident that I had a cancer team full of knowledgeable, kind, caring and compassionate doctors and nurses who would save my life. My surgeon Dr. Cutitar made my plan. I had a lumpectomy and a few lymph nodes removed. Next, a port catheter was placed and ready for chemotherapy. Dr Strenger decided which meds will work best and I had three months of chemo. As a woman in my late forties I wasn’t as vain. Bald is beautiful, was my attitude. Then came dreaded radiation burns for 8 weeks. Fortunately, when the pandemic happened I was half way through radiation. Lastly, I was told I should take Aromatase Inhibitors anastrozole. I made a choice and refused that treatment. Today I am a mature woman in my 50’s and I am thankful for the wonderful life I have. When I was first diagnosed with cancer I thought my life over my worst fate happened. A million things race through your head and fear takes the wheel. During that time it’s hard to find sunshine, a small ray of light that guides you to peace. Cancer gave me the opportunity to build wonderful memories and make beautiful friendships that I otherwise wouldn’t have. My experience has taught me to savor every minute. I now embrace all of life’s embarrassing mishap moments
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.