~Pamela Susan~: Karen

This is a difficult post for me to write...because if it wasn't for cancer, I wouldn't be writing it. Unfortunately, cancer has touched my life three times too many. First, my maternal grandfather passed away three years ago due to this disease, and then my very own mother, Susan, just last year. Needless to say, this past year has presented itself with many unique challenges.

And then a little over a week ago, my very dear friend, Karen, left this earth December 10, 2008.

It is because of her I want to offer this new necklace, which half the proceeds will be donated to cancer research.

I remember the very first time I met Karen. My husband and I had just moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota from Portland, Oregon just two weeks after being married. My husband was starting his graduate schooling at the U of MN, while I looked for my first job as a Dental Hygienist. Lucky for me, I found a dental office two miles down the road. While interviewing this new office, the manager gave me a little tour. As she showed me the lunch room, in walked a woman, who had the most friendly eyes, and a personality that was as witty as they come. That woman was Karen.

We became instant friends, and continued to stay in touch after we moved back to Oregon.

I was deeply disheartened when I first learned of her diagnosis, and was amazed at how she carried herself throughout that difficult time.

After learning about her passing I wanted to do something in honor of her, that would also help others. The Pink Jade pendant (pictured below) set with an 18k Pink Garnet bezel is the perfect design for this cause. A Pink Garnet is set on both sides of this pendant. As mentioned previously, 50% will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer.

You can purchase the "Hope" necklace here .