Maria Gemma Corcelli was born in Providence on April 7, 1955. She is the eldest daughter among the nine children born to Larry and Gloria Gemma. In 2001, Maria learned that Gloria had been diagnosed with breast cancer. One year later, her beloved mother died, but through Gloria’s painful tragedy, a tremendous blessing was bestowed on Rhode Island and beyond.
Bewildered by the lack of resources surrounding those suffering from breast cancer, the Gemma family committed themselves to a grand “labor of love” to improve the fate of those impacted by breast cancer. Led by Maria, they moved with astonishing speed.
In 2004, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation was established in a tiny storefront in North Providence to consolidate information and resources. However, Maria, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Providence College, quickly learned that the human needs of the woman they touched were far greater. So, she acted.
In 2007, Gloria became the Executive Director of the new Gloria Gemma Resource Center, concentrating on expanding the organization’s reach. In 2010, the center moved to a larger facility in Pawtucket and enlarged the scope of its mission to address the “Pandora’s Box of needs” that emerge with those stricken with cancer. This included offering healing modalities, support services, women’s retreats, and the now legendary meal assistance programs. The emergence of the organization’s iconic pink Hope Bus brought relief to underserved communities and reached about 8000 people annually, greatly increasing the awareness of the family’s hope-filled mission.
For 18 years, the Foundation’s signature event, “Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life Weekend in Providence,” attracted tens of thousands of people in our state and beyond. In so doing, it hinted at an even more robust future.
Partnering with the Cummings School of Architecture at Roger Williams University, Maria spearheaded the organization’s most ambitious project to date, the establishment of The Gloria Gemma Center for Cancer Survivorship and Wellbeing.
Located in Lincoln, Rhode Island, the 10,700 square foot facility is approaching completion and will open its doors to a grateful public this summer! The center will provide education, support services, and programs for a variety of cancer patients, survivors, thrivers, and their families, fulfilling Maria’s long-held vision to “serve the whole person, not just the body; to address the crushed spirit, the fear and the anxiety.”
The new facility will do just that, offering families seamless access to collaborative spaces designed to engage community partners.
Though the scope and reach of the Gemma family’s Foundation had grown exponentially, Maria will never forget the beating heart and love behind the organization’s noble mission. “Every face we see is a reflection of my mother,” she memorably notes.
Inductees are often welcomed into this compassionate organization with an eye on their collective past. And while this is true of Maria Gemma Corcelli, her diligent and hopeful gaze is firmly set toward the future as her family’s noble organization continues to innovate, grow, and make a powerful impact on thousands.
Maria Gemma Corcelli was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2025.