Johnston resident Brenda-Lee Troia has had nothing but wonderful experiences with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.
“Rhode Island needs this organization because of the support system they offer to so many people affected by breast cancer,” she said.
The 54-year-old breast cancer survivor expects no different from GloriDays, a new, multi-day walk organized by the local non-profit that takes place on June 5-7 in East Bay Rhode Island.
“I know it will be a lot of fun, and the most exciting part is that it’s an entirely new event,” she said.
Over the course of three days, participants will walk a total of 44 miles – traveling by day and sleeping in pink tents at night. Troia, who is admittedly “petrified” of bugs, indicated that her fear will be outweighed by her loyalty to an organization that means so much to her.
“The Gloria Gemma Foundation has been like a second family to me,” said Troia, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 when she was 44. She proudly remembers being a torchbearer alongside her two daughters, Amanda and Caitlin, at the non-profit’s very first Flames of Hope event in 2006.
Echoing Troia, Lynn Simon, who leads strategic partnerships at Gloria Gemma and is lead organizer of GloriDays, stated, “With GloriDays, people from all over are uniting like a family.”
This “family,” she says, will consist of up to 600 individuals who will either form new or strengthen existing bonds with others affected by the terrible disease. It will be a time to connect, share stories, and support one another.
Aside from its alluring location – Bristol, a town known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and charming seaport – GloriDays offers a multi-sensory, holistic experience that will connect mind, body and spirit, according to the Gloria Gemma Foundation.
Each participant has the option of enrolling either as an individual walker or as part of a team and is required to raise at least $1,500. Troia, who is walking in GloriDays as an individual, was actually the first participant to reach the minimum fundraising goal.
“I basically took it to social media and sent a mass email out to my friends, colleagues and relatives,” she said.
Proceeds will be used to support plans for a Survivorship & Wellness Center, the future home of the nonprofit that will significantly enhance its service to the community.
“You are making a commitment, a choice to make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by breast cancer,” Simon added.
GloriDays will be three days filled with memory-making, inspiration, and fun. “No matter where you’ve come from or what hurdles you’ve faced, we are all in this for one reason: to celebrate life,” continued Simon, who drew parallels between GloriDays and one’s journey with breast cancer. “This journey may be physically strenuous for some, but completing it will offer an unmatched sense of achievement.”
To physically prepare for GloriDays, Troia has been working with a personal trainer once a week since September and has been training at a nearby track with her friend Bill. “I’m going to start walking more with colleagues since it’s always good to have others to push you.”
On the very last mile, family members can join participants to finish the journey, a component that Troia is excited about.
“Hopefully my two daughters and my sister can all join me for the last mile,” she said. “It’s not going to be an easy 44 miles, but it will definitely be worth it.”
With GloriDays, Gloria Gemma is the first Rhode Island-based organization to arrange a multi-day journey of its kind related to breast cancer.
Walk alongside Brenda-Lee Troia and other participants at the June 5-7 GloriDays by registering today at GloriaGemma.org/GloriDays and facebook.com/GloriaGemma.
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