Social Media & Blog Posts

During Sepsis Awareness Month, GCMF board member Jeff Howe, who is a Captain at the Exeter Fire District, Division of EMS, participated at an event organized by the RI Health Care Association. Administrators, nursing directors, and supervisors from nursing homes across the state attended. OZGA EMS Training and Allied Health sponsored a table and invited Jeff to distribute our sepsis materials. Jeff handed out multiple “IT’S ABOUT TIME™” posters listing the signs and symptoms

We welcome the opportunity to educate and explain the signs and symptoms to watch for, along with sharing sepsis stories regarding the different ways in which it can present and manifest. Whether it is for your school, business, community center, or you and a group of friends interested in learning more, we need to spread the word about this leading cause of death. Simply email us at info@gistrong.org.

GCMF president Tara Cirella and colleagues at Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney held their annual Purple Day to mark Sepsis Awareness Month. Anyone who donated any amount to the GCMF could “dress down” by wearing jeans and something purple in honor of Gianna’s favorite color. The office also enjoyed pizza and cupcakes with purple frosting for lunch. The thoughtfulness and effort, in addition to the money raised for the Fund to support our mission is appreciated beyond words.

We had great attendance at the Sepsis Lunch & Learn event at URI’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The audience included OLLI members and staff, as well as two nurses from South County Hospital involved in sepsis care. GCMF board member Ann MacDonald led a discussion of what sepsis is, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how to prevent it. But the heart of the presentation took place when Tara shared Gianna’s story, Ann shared her mother’s, and Wendy Doremus, RN, DNP, a s

We can supply Sepsis postcards, posters and bookmarks for your event. They are a great way to have the critical information on Sepsis at your fingertips. Email us at info@gistrong.org for your materials.

Sepsis is notoriously difficult to diagnose, and treatment must begin quickly in order to save lives. We’re thrilled to share this announcement during Sepsis Awareness Month. The Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund has provided a one-year, $25,000 grant to South County Hospital in order to improve the care of patients with sepsis. The grant will enable sepsis coordinators at the hospital to provide evening consultations with care teams about how to provide appropriate, time-sensitiv

September is Sepsis Awareness Month. Over the next few weeks, we will share information about sepsis and updates about the impact your support has made possible. In Rhode Island, EMS providers are able to start preliminary treatment if they suspect a patient they are transporting has sepsis – and send a sepsis alert ahead to a hospital — so that the ER team is ready to begin immediate treatment once the diagnosis is confirmed. When it comes to sepsis, remember IT’S ABOUT TIM

The GCMF is committed to educating Rhode Islanders about sepsis. With that in mind, on September 16th, we’re leading a free “Lunch and Learn” seminar about sepsis at URI’s Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning, which offers courses to adults 50 and older. Interested in attending? Limited seating is available for the friends and supporters of GCMF, regardless of age. Sepsis: Prevention, treatment & survival When: Wednesday, September 16th, 11:30am to 1pm Where: 210 Flagg Road

We had such a wonderful turnout! Over $16,000.00 was raised! We appreciate everyone who took part and can't thank you all enough! Cheers to our volunteers, sponsors and participants! Your support is incredible! Pictures can be viewed here!

In 2017, I heard a story that shook me to my core. A local 16 year old girl named Gianna became ill and, within a short time, lost her life to sepsis. I did not know her, but her story never left me. After learning about the foundation her mother created in her honor, I reached out and offered my photography services for their first 5K. I still remember that day vividly. The weight of grief and love in that space was overwhelming. I went back to my car afterward and cried. Fr

This is our most recent interview with Shannon Hegy of WPRI Channel 12 where we told Gianna’s story and how we came to pushing for legislation in RI which mandates sepsis protocols throughout all medical facilities and providers. Click here to watch: https://www.wpri.com/12health/12-health-how-a-local-mom-turned-tragedy-into-purpose/

Click here to view all of the 5k pictures! You can also visit Race Roster to view photos. Please enjoy the photos, tag yourself if you'd like, and share!

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Scholarship winners by wishing them well as they head off to college in the fall! Maia Costa from Toll Gate High School, who will be attending Quinnipiac University. Alexander Mihalos from Pilgrim High School, who will be attending Rhode Island College.

We'd like to take one last moment of your time to send such an amazing THANK YOU to all of you for making the 9th Annual Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund 5k Walk/Run such a success. We raised nearly $16,000.00 this year! As you know, this money helps us provide care bags to Hasbro Children's, offer two $3,000.00 scholarships to local eligible high school students, offer support to families in and around our community who have been affected by sepsis, and work to continually shar

Gianna's soccer number was 12. It holds a very special spot in our hearts. " Friends of Gi ," offers an opportunity to donate $12 in honor of a friend, family, or loved one. Each gift pays tribute to her love, her caring, her need to help others. We will donate a portion of the total amount received each year to a community member the GCMF board determines is in need of our support. Starting today, on Gianna's Birthday, February 14th, it is possible to donate to " Friends o

As most of you know, we sponsor a room at the Ronald McDonald House of Providence. Recently we heard from a guest about how important it is to have such a wonderful place to stay when your child is being treated at Hasbro Children's. As you read her note, please know how much your generous support helped this family.

We are excited to let you know that our efforts to raise sepsis awareness has now reached people living in other states. Last fall, Lisa Tyrell, BSN, RN, the sepsis coordinator for the Greeneville Community Hospital in Tennessee, contacted us via our website. She wanted help in mounting their first World Sepsis Day event at a popular farmers market. GCMF president Tara Cirella jumped into action, sending Lisa a whole package of educational materials such as our bookmarks that

As our BOD member, Tony Corrente’s Mom’s 15th anniversary approaches on February 19, he is spearheading a 50/50 Raffle to benefit the Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund . Funds raised will be used to spread sepsis awareness, research, and financially assist families affected by sepsis. Donations are tax deductible and may be purchased by sending him or GCMF Venmo, cash, or check made payable to GCMF. Tickets are $20 each and the drawing will be held February 19. If you have quest

We are delighted to share our 2025 Annual Report with you. Your generous support and love have once again propelled us to "Do Big Things". Thank you for helping us further our mission of increasing sepsis awareness and helping children and families affected by sepsis. We couldn't do this without you. Thank you!

The GCMF annually awards two $3,000 college scholarships in Gianna’s memory. We are now accepting applications for our 2026 Scholarship. This is open to students at Pilgrim High School as well as Toll Gate High School. The scholarships will be awarded to one male and one female senior planning to attend a four-year college or university. Our goal is to recognize two Warwick public high school seniors who best exemplify Gianna’s spirit of caring deeply for others, whether frie

In November, Tara and GCMF board member Ann MacDonald taught a class on sepsis to older adults at URI’s Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning. Tara shared Gianna’s story, while Ann talked about how to recognize signs and symptoms of sepsis, and where to find support. They shared GCMF bookmarks, notepads, stress balls, and bracelets. Click on the link below to download the presentation.

On October 25th, Tara along with Board Member, Jessie Carpenter and Gianna’s high school soccer coach, Lonna Razza went to Winslow Field to meet the U6, U8 and U10 soccer teams that play on the teams sponsored by the Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund. The players were all given a brief story about why they wear purple, who Gianna is, and how sharing her story is a wonderful way to be sepsis aware! Each player was also given a water bottle, a GiStrong bracelet and a sepsis bookmark

On October 29th Tara visited Mrs. Pauline Campbell’s PBL (Project Based Learning) 1st quarter class at Warwick Veterans Memorial Middle School, to share Gianna’s story and help them learn a little about sepsis and being sepsis aware. The students were also working hard on posters for their purple day on November 3rd and they didn’t hesitate to ask some great questions and share the knowledge they had already learned about Gianna and sepsis. We are so very thankful to Mrs. Cam

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD 2:00-9:00PM ~PURPLE~ SOFT SERVE SPRINKLES WAFFLE CONES ice cream MILKSHAKES

We know many of you like to plan for this drive, so here's your notice to start planning We will share the details and link soon !

In September, Tara, founder of GCMF, was invited to speak with all four of Mr. Kennedy’s senior classes at Toll Gate High School about sepsis awareness. Tara shared Gianna’s story, her love for soccer and all things friendship and kindness, and answered some great questions the students had about sepsis, as well as handing out our wonderful bookmarks. If you’re interested in learning more, would like Tara to come speak at your school or place of employment or if you’d like so

On October 2nd Bella Vita celebrated their 5th anniversary by supporting the GCMF with their “Cups for a Cause” day. Owner Merinda Lima once again created an amazing tea and shake to honor Gianna, held a raffle, and supplied our sepsis bookmarks for anyone that needed them! Bella Vita donated $700 to GCMF from the sales in just that one day! We are so grateful to Merinda and her small business for supporting our cause. If you stopped by that day, we thank you and if you didn’

On September 30th, TG Boys soccer played for Gianna! Caleb Carpenter and David Ellingwood escorted Tara to the field while Gianna’s story was told and the playees were introduced. We want to give a big thank you to the Toll Gate Boys Soccer team for honoring Gianna and reminding everyone of the importance of sepsis awareness and education!

HCC supports our mission to advance sepsis research, promote public education, and provide assistance to children and families impacted by this devastating illness. They wore purple, shared our story, and then presented us with a check for $845 to help us in our work to educate and assist! "This year, HCC, in coordination with The Defense Counsel of Rhode Island’s (DCRI) and the Defense Research Institute’s (DRI) International Day of Service, is proud to partner with the Gian

Our son Gus has battled sepsis not once, but twice. Born prematurely in 2017 at 26 weeks, he developed sepsis the first time while in the...

Despite my professional background as a nurse practitioner and specialist in public health, I waited too long to seek treatment for what...

My son Evan was born with a rare condition that affects his autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and...

Thanks once again to our amazing community of sponsors, contributors, golfers, and dinner guests. Your generous support and enthusiasm...

The Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund sponsored a landmark medical conference that introduced health care providers and leaders from around...

The Electric Boat Quonset Point Facility Employees’ Community Service Association each year collects employee contributions and...

We are delighted to share the news that the GCMF has received its first-ever $1,500 Senate Legislative Grant from the State of Rhode...

Top Fundraiser A special thanks and shout out to our top fundraiser, Alex Buffi, who raised $455 in additional donations for our 5K! We...

Both students exemplify Gianna’s spirit of caring deeply for others and working hard to make someone’s day better. Audrey Kuiawa of...

The Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund is proud to be a sponsor of an important health conference organized by the RI Department of Health:...

As a soccer player at Toll Gate High School, Gianna personified the type of dedication, positive attitude, and respect for others that...

The GCMF annually awards two $3,000 college scholarships in Gianna’s memory. This year, for the first time, our scholarship applications...

We are delighted to share our 2024 Annual Report with you. Your generous support helped us to further our mission of increasing sepsis...

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES T-SHIRT SPONSOR (accepting 12 only) - $500 MILE MARKER SPONSOR - $250 WATER SPONSOR (accepting 3...

In memory of Gianna, the Memorial Fund has been providing care bags to patients and families who experience the hardship of spending time...

When Gianna became ill, the Cirella family suddenly found themselves needing to be at her bedside in Hasbro Children's Hospital at all...

Since age 4, Gianna and Cassie both played soccer for the Warwick Firefighters Soccer Club. Their love for the game began there and they...

On November 1st, many Warwick schools participated in a "purple out" in honor of Gianna. Students and staff wore purple at Greenwood...

On October 24th, Tara attended the Rhode Island Blood Center High School Heros event in Warwick. Each year, RIBC presents an...

On Thursday Nov. 14th, WJAR's Health Check 10 reporter Barbara Morse aired a segment about RI's new mandatory sepsis protocols. She...

In September 2023 legislation was passed in RI mandating sepsis protocols for all medical providers. Since then, the RI Department of...