In August of 2002 that all changed. It was then that I was diagnosed with Stage III Ovarian cancer. This, in turn, lead to a complete abdominal hysterectomy and ongoing courses of chemotherapy.
The "I Will Not Worry" bracelets started as a kind of expansion on the pink "Breast Cancer" jewelry theme. The American Cancer Society recognizes 16 cancers as represented by 16 different colors, our idea was that, as opposed to wearing just one of these awareness colors, we would design bracelets that included all 16 of the colors thereby showing support and raising awareness for all 16 of the ACS recognized cancers that plague we humans. We started selling our multi-colored cancer awareness bracelets as a fund-raiser for my local Relay for Life team - the " Wacky Walkers" (Yea Team!) We figured we would sell a few to family and friends, instead the bracelets were a big hit and we quickly sold all we had made. So we went back and made more - soon we had sold all of those also. And people continued to ask for them. All totaled, we were able to donate almost $10,000 to Relay for Life from our
little fund-raiser! Shortly thereafter, I was told by a friend that while in church she had counted 7 of the 8 ladies in her aisle wearing our cancer awareness bracelets. You can't imagine how good that made me feel! Friends and family then began to encourage me to take this to the next level. I was pleased that the bracelets were popular but more than that, for me, I felt like I was finally doing something to "fight back". Making bracelets keeps my mind occupied (I will not worry) and I'm sure it also serves as a gentle reminder to friends and neighbors to think about & say a little prayer for us occasionally.
Please know that this is not about me making money, not that we can't use it (as of June I have been unable to work as I have started chemo again), but as anyone who has walked in my shoes can attest, money holds little allure when your very survival hangs in the balance. As the word has spread, I am getting calls from people nationwide. I stand in awe at the sheer magnitude of the people who's lives have been touched by this horrible disease. Hopefully, God has a plan for these little bracelets.
A portion of the cancer awareness bracelet sales proceeds will go to our local Buena Vista Cancer Awareness Walk (I think cancer awareness is best raised at the local "grass roots" level), some will help to pay for
medical expenses* , and my plan is to eventually give back as much as possible to other cancer survivors in need (I'm currently working on a way to do this using this website). - We've done it! Click below to read about the
