Fashion with Compassion 2014: Compassion Entwined Rings Necklace

Published Oct 31 2014 in Philanthropy Jewelry

It happens to all of us sometime in our lives, too many times.  We all know of someone with cancer; a friend, family member or yourself.  When I was in my 20’s my colleague and friend Debra was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She was in her 40’s and had taken on a second career as a speech-language pathologist.  Debra was the best at her job and I looked up to her. We worked in Ponoka, Alberta in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program.  Unfortunately she had to travel back and forth from Ponoka to the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton for  her treatments.  The Compassion House did not exist at this time.  I am so sure that if it did Debra would have considered it. 

For a second year, I designed a necklace for the Fashion with Compassion Gala: The Compassion Entwined Rings Necklace.  This necklace is composed of three entwined bronze rings that I metal worked.  Each ring represents the three homes that house ladies receiving treatment from the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.  This necklace is adorned with a bronze pendant with the Compassion house logo, a healing semi-precious stone of rock crystal or aquamarine, and a sterling silver chain.  Sold out last year I was asked to make 300 necklaces this year.  A portion of the proceeds will be going towards the Sorrentino’s Compassion House.  It was an honor to make these necklaces.

Thank you to Mellissa Kraft, Executive Director of Sorrentino’s Compassion House.  She is a true champion of the cause and is the glue that binds all of the pieces together.  I am also grateful to the Met Agency for designing the beautiful combined branding of Fashion with Compassion & Orange Avocado Jewelry.  Finally, a thank you to the staff of Compassion House, the Board of Directors and volunteers, for whom this is not just another job. 

So my friend Debra, well she lost the fight.  Now two decades later, I can gratefully say that I have many friends that are proud survivors.  This is for you and of course, my friend Debra.

Please consider donating to this organization at www.compassionhouse.org so more women can enjoy a place of refuge during breast cancer treatment.