The streets of downtown Providence will be filled with thousands of walkers and runners – and a whole lot of pink – when the Flames of Hope Run/Walk Series makes its return on Sunday, Oct. 12. Register today at www.flamesofhoperi.com.

The races are part of the ninth annual “Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life,” which has grown into one of the largest breast cancer awareness and support events in the Northeast.

Putting it all together and convening an expected 100,000-plus people is none other than the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, a local non-profit that is currently celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Over the past decade, this local non-profit has directly helped tens of thousands affected by breast cancer. Last November, we introduced readers to one of these individuals – Jennifer Waterman, a second-grade teacher at Orchard Farms Elementary School in Cranston.

Since we last checked in with Jennifer, her courage and fortitude could be felt from her words: “I am Jennifer Waterman with a little bit of breast cancer and not breast cancer with a little bit of Jennifer Waterman.”

Readers also met one of Jennifer’s students, Lily Buco – who stepped up in a big way to help her teacher and others affected by breast cancer. Driven by the motivation to “help Ms. Waterman get better so she can come back to teach” and with help from her mom Missy, this 7-year-old managed to pull off a last-minute campaign – recruiting over 40 people to join “Waterman’s Pumpkins” to participate in the Flames of Hope Run/Walk Series.

Lily managed to pull at some heartstrings along the way, including those of Maria Gemma.

“This story is truly incredible and representative of what we’re all about,” she said of the nonprofit she created alongside her eight siblings in honor of their mother Gloria, who lost her fight against breast cancer in 2002. “So many families in our local communities are affected by breast cancer, and our goal is to help as many people as we can.”

Waterman’s Pumpkins’ second appearance at the Flames of Run/Walk Series has been set in motion.

“Lily’s back as the captain,” Jennifer said excitedly. “Our goal is to top the 40 people we had last year, but we’ll be happy no matter what the level of involvement is.”

Jennifer’s bond with Gloria Gemma – an organization that she connected with thanks to Lily’s efforts – has become stronger.

This year, the Pawtucket-based non-profit has taken on BRCA, also known as the “breast cancer gene.” Individuals who carry a BRCA gene mutation have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. While Jennifer lost her mother to the latter in 2001, it wasn’t until her own breast cancer diagnosis that Jennifer learned she was BRCA-positive.

This past May, Jennifer was one of a group of BRCA-positive individuals who walked down the runway at Gloria Gemma’s fashion show, which takes place every year at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston. What’s more, Jennifer is one of the models being featured in Gloria Gemma’s 2015 “Celebrate Hope, Celebrate Life” calendar – the theme of which is BRCA.

“Our motivation behind addressing BRCA is to spread the message that knowing whether or not you carry a genetic mutation is critical,” Maria Gemma said. “Fortunately, there are options available for BRCA-positive individuals to manage their cancer risk.”

There’s the preventive route, for example. In January, Jennifer underwent a double mastectomy—the removal of both of her breasts.

“With support and guidance from my doctors, I was determined to not let breast cancer happen to me a second time,” said Jennifer, who also opted for a hysterectomy – removal of her ovaries – in July.

While she returned to work briefly between chemotherapy treatment and her double mastectomy, Jennifer indicated that she made a full return to Orchard Farms Elementary School in April.

“All of the students, parents and faculty members were so supportive and welcoming,” she said.

Jennifer has also been a part of Gloria Gemma’s “Women of Steel” awareness billboard campaign. The imagery of the billboard on which she is featured includes the word “Courage,” which also adorns the Rhode Island State House every year during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

“You certainly need a lot of courage to fight breast cancer,” she said. “Actually, anything with the word ‘cancer’ in it is scary, but courage empowers you to beat it and makes you feel like you can do anything.”

In regards to her continued involvement in Gloria Gemma programs and happenings, she added, “I like the idea of serving as a positive role model for someone touched by breast cancer. My hope is that someone who may need support and resources ends up contacting Gloria Gemma after seeing me or hearing my story.”

The 2015 “Celebrate Hope, Celebrate Life” calendar is made possible by sponsors South County Hospital, Admirals Bank and 21st Century Oncology, as well as supporting sponsors RI Rehabilitation Center and Dr. David L. Renaud, DDS.

The calendar is being released to the public after a special ceremony kicking off the ninth annual “Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life,” taking place on Oct. 10-12 at Station Park in downtown Providence. On Saturday, Oct. 11, “Celebration Village” at Station Park will come alive at 2 p.m. with education, support, live entertainment and food.

That evening, the captivating Illuminations of Life Ceremony will take place on the State House steps facing downtown Providence. As part of the program, Jennifer will share her story to Flames of Hope-goers.

“I’m in the process of preparing it, and I’m a little nervous,” she confessed.

The Illuminations of Life Ceremony concludes with a torch procession, considered as the pinnacle of the three-day event, and a component of Flames of Hope weekend that Jennifer is also looking forward to.

“This will be my first time ever carrying a torch, and I can’t wait to experience this very emotional ceremony first-hand,” she said.

The celebration will conclude on Sunday, Oct. 12 with the Flames of Hope Run/Walk Series, made up of three races: the signature Gloria Gemma 5K presented by The Walking Company, Kids Fun Run presented by Macy’s, and Pink Pump Palooza presented by Nordstrom.

Registration for the torch ceremony, as well as all three races are open at www.flamesofhoperi.com. For more information and the complete schedule of “Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life,” visit www.gloriagemma.org and www.facebook.com/GloriaGemma.