Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring the Gloria Gemma Foundation Flames of Hope with Shakay Kizirian 10-4-25

We're recognizing this month of October and Breast Cancer Awareness with the Gloria Gemma Foundation (gloriagemma.org) . It's time to turn the city pink! Providence RI is the place to be for the annual Flames of Hope celebration. The foundation, created by The Gemma family as tribute to their mother Gloria Gemma, believes “No One Should Fight Cancer Alone”. Our guest from the Gloria Gemma Foundation is Shakay Kizirian, MSW, LCSW, a 40+ year professional in the medical field, an oncology specialist and breast cancer survivor. Shakay, who has a unique perspective on this “Weekend of Pink”, joins us for the details. Listen as she speaks on the various FREE events, including the “Passport to Survivorship” vendor fair, GG 5K, Illuminations of Life Ceremony and the return of the “Pink Pump-Palooza”. You can hear the emotion in her voice as she recalls how moving the “Torch Procession” is, in her years as a torch walker and as an escort. She also encourages you to take a tour of their new expansive location in Lincoln RI. It's all about balancing education with fun while meeting the needs of those diagnosed in Rhode Island, South Eastern Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut. It's not only women who benefit from the resources and programs they provide and it's not limited to breast cancer.