HI Everyone!

This year will mark my fifth time participating in the Gloria Gemma Flame of Hope; Celebration of Life. 

Five years is a milestone for cancer patients. In August, I will hopefully be reaching this important timeframe of Five years with no evidence of disease. 

Lately, I have seen friends get re-diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer. I have also attended two wakes in the past two months for pink sisters of mine who unfortunately lost thier battles with this awful disease. 

Each time I meet with my young survivor group, there are more and more women under 44 who have been diagnosed. It is pretty upsetting to see, however, I know that for these ladies, they too will be able to get through this chapter in their lives, due to the support and understanding found within our group. 

For those who are not familiar with my story, here it is :       

My story:

At the end of May 2014, I had the unfortunate news of learning that I had breast cancer. The months to follow were the scariest time in my life. I found out that I carried the BRCA gene and that I had invasive cancer.

During the time of my diagnosis and while I was awaiting my bi lateral mastectomy, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time. She endured chemotherapy and a bi lateral mastectomy as well. Since August of 2014, I have had 4 major surgeries, had to work, and worry about my mom's health. My mom just completed treatment for Lung cancer as well. 

While 2014 and 2015 proved to be challenging and I have been left with constant reminders of the battle I fought, I am now on the other side of this ordeal.

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Foundation has supplied me with immeasurable amounts of support. Through classes at the foundation, to much needed lymphatic treatment, to fostering life long friendships with my fellow young survivors, I have not only survived but I have thrived. 

Gloria Gemma is a local organization that people can feel good about donating to. They make sure that the money goes directly to helping others who face this scary diagnosis. Ninety cents of each dollar earned goes directly to those who are facing breast cancer. 

In the USA, one in 8 women will be told that they have breast cancer in their lifetime. In RI, this number is even higher, where one in 6 women will face this life altering diagnosis. Gloria Gemma will continue to support and assist people in our state in countless ways.

The reality is, cancer touches all of ours lives these days. It could be your mother, your sister, your aunt, your grandma, your cousin, your co-worker, your friend or even you who hears the words " I am sorry to inform you, you have breast cancer". Please help me raise money to assist anyone who needs guidance in navigating through this. The support is offered by Gloria Gemma, at diagnosis, during treatment and after. The time after cancer is the hardest. People assume that once you beat cancer, the chapter ends. Unfortunately, acclimating to a "new normal" is extremely difficult.

Words cannot express my gratitude for this incredible foundation. 

Please consider a donation to my fundraising efforts. No amount is too small. Your donations help to fund the Hope Bus. The Hope Bus is not only a source of education for the community but also a place of solace and respite for those effected by a breast cancer diagnosis. My first experience with the hope bus was in the fall of 2014. I had just finished with my total hysterectomy and masectomy and stopped onto the Hope Bus. It was parked at a local supermarket that I had gone to.  I ended up falling apart in the arms of a stranger. This woman, Maribeth Moorehead passed away a couple weeks ago. She had been cancer free for nine years and then her cancer returned with a vengence and she ended up losing her battle in less than a month after her metastatic diagnosis. The Hope Bus and the Gloria Gemma Resource foundation will never be the same. Your donations however, can help continue to fund this bus, which now needs all the help it can get. 

With love, gratitude and a deep appreciation for life,
Lizzie
xoxo

Here is the link to make a donation:

https://gloriagemma.z2systems.com/lizzieblitz5

Illuminations of Life Ceremony  October 5, 2019 @ 6PM

​The Torch ceremony is a moving experience promoting awareness, encouraging support for families affected by breast cancer, and fostering a sense of giving - pay it forward.

Click Here for more information