And while treatments have improved tremendously in the last few years, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women (exceeded only by lung cancer). Because breast cancer is such a prevalent and serious condition, women buy and wear breast cancer jewelry for many reasons. Some feel it brings them closer to a loved one who has died from breast cancer. Others wear breast cancer jewelry to honor loved ones who have survived or to testify to their own courageous battle with breast cancer. Still others wear the jewelry to raise awareness.
There is another reason why breast cancer jewelry is popular as well. Many of the places that sell it donate at least a portion of their proceeds to organizations that provide breast cancer treatment, support, and research. This is certainly the case with the three sites described in this article.
The Pink Ribbon Shop
www.pinkribbonshop.com
Donations: a portion of each item sold goes to unspecified cancer organizations. The Pink Ribbon Shop states that so far it has donated over $17,000 for cancer research and treatment.
What’s Available: Almost any kind of pink-themed jewelry you could want including earrings, charms, beaded bracelets, necklaces, and angel pins. There is also a section for fine jewelry. Most of the pieces here cost around $50 and feature items such as white gold charms and an exquisite rose gold pink ribbon pin.
Healing Ribbons
www.healing ribbons.net
Donations: 100% of after-tax proceeds are donated to breast cancer education and awareness programs.
What’s available: A huge array of breast cancer pins, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more. The fine jewelry items can cost up to a few hundred dollars and include pearl earrings, gold and diamond cut ribbon pendants, and some breathtaking brooches. Women who have suffered lymphedema following a mastectomy can also by medical alert bracelets engraved with the words, “lymphedema alert.”
Additional: An “Awareness” section of this website offers information about breast cancer.
Shop To Benefit The Breast Cancer Site
http://shop.thebreastcancersite.com/store/site.do?siteId=224
The breast cancer site helps to fund mammograms for women who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Popular breast cancer jewelry items include bracelets and watches, rings, cat and dog pins, museum designs, and multiple pendants. Not all of the jewelry carries the traditional pink, white, and silver colors most commonly associated with breast cancer awareness, but regardless of your purchase choices, the funds still go to the Breast Cancer Site.
Do you know eight women? What about sixteen? Or twenty four? Or thirty two? If so, chances are good that your life will, at some point, be deeply touched by breast cancer. So make a statement now! Wear the jewelry to increase awareness and support the sites that are helping fund the research, treatment, prevention, and cure of this disease.