PROVIDENCE — What do you say to your friend whose mother has just been diagnosed with breast cancer? Or, a classmate who has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor? These are the kinds of questions the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation helps to answer for people touched by cancer throughout Rhode Island. Bishop Hendricken High School does its part to promote awareness in its community by supporting the Foundation with the largest team at the annual Gloria Gemma 5K.
The school’s mission is to bring each member of their community into a closer relationship with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit through the development of the whole person: heart, mind, body and soul. Gloria Gemma accomplishes its mission to celebrate and nurture life in the local community before, during and after a cancer diagnosis through education, access to free wellness resources and support programs designed to heal mind, body and spirit.
The Foundation was established over a dozen years ago in memory of Gloria Gemma, a devout woman who instilled in her nine children strong family values and the importance of helping those in need.
“There are times I feel like we are directed by the Divine,” said executive director and eldest daughter of Gloria Gemma, Maria Corcelli. “We are blessed to have the support of Bishop Hendricken. These young men are excellent role models, and we hope their actions encourage other schools to get involved.”
For the past seven years, Bishop Hendricken High School has been actively supporting the mission of the Gloria Gemma Foundation with their Man-up Against Breast Cancer initiative, and to date, they have raised more than $150,000 to support the free programs and support services offered by the Foundation.
Again this year, the students, faculty and parents of Bishop Hendricken will participate in the Gloria Gemma 5K, part of the Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life Weekend, in downtown Providence, September 30-October 1. Students want to promote awareness in their community that anyone can be touched by cancer, and everyone can make a difference.
In addition to the Gloria Gemma Run-Walk Series on Sunday, October 1st, the Foundation has a full day planned on Saturday beginning with the Passport to Survivorship Expo, a free healthy living event at the Omni Providence Hotel during the day, and the Flames of Hope Celebration in Station Park at night. For more information regarding the weekend or to support Bishop Hendricken’s efforts, please visit gloriagemma.org.
“We encourage anyone and everyone to join us for this very special weekend, whether you have been touched by cancer or not,” said Corcelli.
