Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon

next Monday 4/16/2012

 

 

 

 

For the last 5 years, my friend, Melanie Horris, has run the Boston Marathon in honor of her patient partner, Lexie Williams. Each year Melanie has said (after the race) "This is the last one!"

 

And, yes she has already said that this year. (I'm thinking she may really mean it this year)

It is a grueling 26+ miles over hills and dales. Just the training would be more than I could take!

 

However, she has raised a lot of money each year from her donors in support of both Melanie, Lexie and the Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute. Her goal this year is $10,000)

 

 

 

 

 

In 2007, Melanie approached me with the idea of making a meaningful bracelet to help raise money for her Boston Marathon run and the Dana Farber. We put our heads together and involved Lexie too.

 

Our first piece was Lexie's bracelet. It is made with five different colors of Swarovski Pearls and Bali Silver spacers. It is 7 ½ inches long and has a lobster claw clasp and a 2 inch extender for easy fit. The meaning of the colors in Lexie's Bracelet were chosen by Lexie.  (Click on the link above to see more)

 

 

 

The success of the first Lexie Bracelet and its extended pieces (earrings, necklace etc) was wonderful. We raised over $4,000 for cancer research.

 

 

Each year, together, we have designed a piece of jewelry in Lexie's honor. A portion of the proceeds has gone to the Dana-Farber. This year's piece is Wings of Hope.

 

 

 

The white Swarovski Pearls used, have the same meaning of HOPE as in the original bracelet.

 

The pendant is strung on an 18 inch silver plate Snake chain. (It is also available on a 20 inch chain)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not only does she run but she sells the jewelry too. Keeps me busy!

 

This year we accidentally found another piece to add. The Hancock Husky. You've seen the Glass Dome Pendants? Well, this is a blue paw print representing the Hancock Huskies. (The school where Melanie teaches) The kids at the Hancock school love them and with their purchases, they are, also, supporting the Dana Farber and Melanie's run.

 

I love it when a (non) plan comes together!

 

 

 

 

(The Glass Dome pendants are ready for any fundraiser events you may need or know about. Many designs can be made)

 

 

Her bib number for this year's race is 21385. If you would like to follow her progress year, you can go to her page where you can read about her reasons for running.

 

 

All of the pieces in the Lexie Line of jewelry can be purchased by contacting me, Melanie or on the Ring by Ring Designs website.

 

We all appreciate your past support!

 

 

Until this Friday's special and next week,

 

Bev

 

website:http://ringbyringdesigns.com

Nickelodeon "Cancer and Kids" program

Alice Williams, Lexie's mom, has been sharing about a program that will be aired on Nickelodeon on January 24, at 8 PM. It is titled "NICK NEWS WITH LINDA ELLERBEE’S THE FACE OF COURAGE: KIDS LIVING WITH CANCER"

Set your Tivo, DVR or alarm clock to watch it. Lexie will be on as one of the Kids Living with Cancer. Her section was filmed at Camp Sunshine. A Camp where Kids can go and be themselves as a kid should be.

Here is a blurb about the up coming show you can read. Click on the underlined section.

Remember the date January 24, 2010 at 8 PM on Nickelodeon.

You can read more about Lexie on other blog posts and see "Lexie's Jewelry" on my websites. $10 of each purchase goes to Cancer Research.

B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

New Breast Cancer Bracelet

I love it when my customers give me new ideas. Especially this one.

I had a home party at Melanie's home (my Lexie Jewelry partner) and we decided to display more of my regular jewelry than just the Lexie Jewelry. A percentage of the sales would go to Cancer Research as with the Lexie Jewelry. To make a long story short, one of the ladies saw a bracelet


and suggested that it be made with pink beads instead of the hematite in the bracelet I had there. (above) She wanted to give her sister, now with Breast Cancer, a meaningful bracelet.

After a small search for pink beads, I settled on Rose Swarovski 6 mm beads. Funny thing. My daughter who is not a jewelry person commented while I was making the bracelet: "Hey, that's nice. I might wear that!" Now that is a complement!

Anyhow, I'm thinking that I should add this to my Cancer Research line of jewelry.



What do you think?

B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

Lexie's Circle of Love Bracelet

I've been absent a bit from the blogging circles lately. Seems to happen this time of year. Too many things to do and yikes, it is December already.

This is one of my things that has been keeping me busy lately. As all the Lexie jewelry, it has been well received. I did have a post about the prototype awhile ago and gone through several changes. First, it seemed too tight. That lead me to find out that the memory wire bracelets come in two sizes. Naturally, I had the smaller size. So, while you can't see the difference in the picture, this one is about 1/4 - 1/2 inch larger in diameter. Feels much better. The decision of how many wraps (3) to make it was easy. Looks better fuller. Then there is the infamous "How much to charge and still give something to Cancer Research?" Plus a little for the producer. We decided on $40 with $10 going to Cancer Research. We may not sell as many as the first Lexie Bracelet which sells for only $25, but we'll see. It really is beautiful. And Lexie likes it!

Here is a picture of the original Lexie bracelet.

These pieces are really a Win - Win situation. A beautiful piece of jewelry for any lady on your shopping list and a $10 going to Cancer Research.

B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

Lexie's update

This post is just to share good news about Lexie's latest test results and the decisions of her doctors.

Like most of us, waiting for the full results of tests can be very unnerving to say the least. In this case it seems even more so.

I'll quote Alice Williams' Caring Bridge journal post because I want to get it right. The bottom line is good but the particulars are a bit confusing. You can read the whole post here.


Quoting:
"Glee !!! Ecstasy !!! Supreme Joy !!!
We are Elated tonight in our house!!!!!

After waiting over two hours past the time when Lexie's nurse oncologist was supposed to call regarding the Tumor Board results, which was an agonizing period of time in which I kept Breathing and Breathing, Lexie's Oncologist Himself called, and we spoke for over an hour !!!

The fabulous, stupendous, news is that the Tumor board does acknowledge that over the past two years, based on the scans they have, the tumor does Measure somewhat larger... BUT, they can NOT find solid tumor changes that can be measured, but think perhaps the cysts have shifted (she has numerous cystic components in her large tumor), so they are going to give the situation Time !!!! We Bought TIME , my friends , and that is a MIRACLE !!!! The suggestion is to re-scan in 6, Yes, 6 months !!!!

AND, they now agree that we can move forward with the corrective Eye surgery that we have been holding off on for the past year !!! To say Lexie is Happy is an understatement

-She is in Ecstasy, jumping Up and Down in our kitchen !!!!
She wants so badly to get her eye fixed, and she can't Even believe her good fortune in Evading chemo for another while !!!! She is in Total Celebration Mode- Fish Food ice cream and Brownies are on the horizon !!!"

Unquote.

Great news that I just had to share.

B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

Lexie's Lanyards of Love.

The phrase "Ta Da" comes to mind with this new item. I've been working on it since June. The idea is simple but getting beads in the proper size and color and most importantly at reasonable price, is not easy.

My buddy Melanie (responsible for the other items in Lexie's Jewelry) suggested we add a name badge holder to the line of Lexie's Jewelry. She and her fellow teachers all wear them and wanted something fancier. I've been reminded that hospital workers and some college students also need a lanyard for their name badges. So we started working on her idea.

The decision for the main beads was made first. We chose 5 different colors with a gold swirl around it and a hole big enough to use a nice leather cord. I followed a method I learned from Deb Huber of Cleaver Treasures. Deb sells just large hole beads and leather cord. She has created some neat kits. Check out her site.

I found some neat clips to hold a badge and then decided it would be nice if the lanyard could be adjustable. I've made some adjustable necklaces before. It always amazes me how previous knowledge comes together to make something new.




This is a picture of the best I had made (until this morning) Melanie told me about a small problem she encountered when she wore one to work yesterday. The lanyard when shortened would not stay shortened. The hole in the pony beads is too big.

So, think Bev, what could you use instead? After several attempts I came up with "E" beads. They have a big enough hole to put two 1mm leather cords through but small enough to be taut and not allow the lanyard to slip when shortened. Success!



Yesterday, Melanie called around 10 AM to say she had already sold one. Later in the day she had sold 10. Gheez! I only have enough materials to make 4. So off to my local bead store and my favorite online places.

What a great problem! It sells for $20 with $10 donated to Cancer Research. They can be purchased here: http://bevsjewelry.com/lexieslanyard.html

Alice and Lexie are still working with the doctors to see what Lexie's latest MRI means for her future. You can keep up with the latest information on her journal www.caringbridge.com/visit/lexiewilliams. Leave messages on their site. Lexie read every one!


B


www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

Lexie's Bracelet

The brochure for Lexie's Jewelry says on the front "It all started with a bracelet - Support Cancer Research with each purchase"

Sales were wonderful for the first two years. It figures that after awhile most everyone who wanted Lexie's Jewelry pieces would already have one. So it wasn't surprising when there have been no sales for the last several months. (It came at a good time since I was out of commission for awhile)

Several things have happened lately. First, Lexie's MRI came back showing a "measurable" growth in her brain tumor. Second, no matter what the results were, Lexie and her family will continue to support Cancer Research (as will I as a survivor myself) and third there is a run for the Jimmy Fund on September 13 that needs support. So, all of us are hoping to gain a few runners (physical and virtual) and raise support for the Jimmy Fund.

Having made the need known again, I've had some new orders. What I'm showing today is the construction of a Lexie Bracelet. It consists of 5 colors of Swarovski pearls with daisy Bali silver spacers.

Making "regular" jewelry is different than making a "production" type piece like Lexie's bracelet. You have to get out all the parts and make them as quickly as possible. Once the parts are out, it is easier to make a bunch. Which is what I do. (See picture above - all ready to go)


I lay out the beads in order before I start. (I get in a zone and really need to have the order all set up. No decisions) Here is the bracelet strung.



Next I add the lobster claw clasp. That type makes it easier to make the bracelet expandable with the addition of a small chain on the other end. When you are selling bracelets to many people you don't have to worry about size as much. Though I do make them larger or smaller on request.


Before I crimp the last crimp, I check it with a sample to make sure everything is OK. You see the sample I use is missing one little daisy bead. Can you see where? Anyhow, it is easier to fix the mistake now rather than have another "sample".



Now the finished bracelet goes into a plastic baggy with information about the bracelet and most important "Thanks for your purchase"


Finally, it is packed, addressed and mailed off.

I hope you have enjoyed this little tour. You can see all of the Lexie Jewelry line on my web sites.

B


www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

Lexie Williams Part 2

I have no new news about Lexie but thought I'd share part of a post from her Mom, Alice, on her Caring Bridge journal. Alice posts some time most every evening and I usually read it before I go to bed. Last night the Sox were being slaughtered by the Yankees and so went to be earlier than usual. I found her post waiting this morning when I got up and read my emails.

I thought the first part of her post was too good not to share with all of you. Everyone has their own set of problems but those with Cancer seem to have a special set of problems. As with everything, it depends on what we do with the problem.

Alice's quote is from a fellow BT(brain tumor) family member. You can read the whole post here.


"It's called "Medal of Honor" and he describes it as a partial path to earn a 'medal' for living life. Here are a couple from his list: 1) Attitude is the factor in life we most control. 2) Energy and action spring from a positive attitude. 3) Winners regard a setback as a disappointment, not discouragement or despair--just disappointment. 4) The setback is not the test - the COMEBACK is. 5) Embrace life with passion and compassion. 6) Love and be loved."

The above quote is from a BT friend, and it was very helpful to remind Who We Are today- We are BT family- We Are Warriors- We Do Not Give up, and a Setback is only a disappointment, that's IT!!! Thanks, Marianne !!! "


So, let your attitude be your guide no matter what your situation.


B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

Lexie Williams

Those of you who regularly follow my blog are familiar with Lexie Williams. She is the 11 year old girl who has been fighting a brain tumor since she was 3 1/2 months old. Recently, all news has been good. No chemo, her port removed and no growth.

Well, today she had her regular check up and the results was not great. To quote her Mom's comment on Facebook:

CRAP- That's the same as bad MRI- Measurable growth over past two years- Somewhere, somehow, that thing grew AGAIN!!!
CRAP-
Full ugly report on www.caringbridge.org/visit/lexiewilliams -
Wish, wish, wish, I could be reporting gloriously happy new...s-
Tumor board to meet for advice after eyes on 31st- probably wait three months and scan again- growth is small, but we are in prime real estate here folks- no room-

Not good news to say the least.

Alice is asking for prayers and support for the Jimmy Fund. Sales from my Lexie Jewelry benefits the Jimmy Fund or you can donate directly to the Jimmy Fund. See the caringbridge site for information.

B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

Running the Boston Marathon

I'm again quoting Alice Williams' Caring Bridge journal. Mostly because it is the only place I have been able to get - what happened? I could see on line that Melanie had a fantastic run but it didn't say if Lexie Williams was able to finish the last mile with her, as planned. Well, she did! Here is the account from www.caringbridge.org/visit/lexiewilliams.

“Toughness is in the soul and the spirit, not the muscles. " -Alex Karras

"And Run the last 1.2 miles she Did !!!! -In Ten minutes, as that was her runner's pace, and we didn't want to slow Melanie down in her last mile of glory with the crowd screaming, so Lexie dug deep, ran fast all the way, looked a bit peaked, and promptly Barfed into a vent !!!! Now that's true grit !!!! She recovered quickly and we walked back to the Copley with Melanie for the post race greeting area-

"Amazingly, she had a crowd of supporters from our school who cheered for her along the way, and later came back to the post race area to congratulate her and Melanie on their accomplishments !!!! We are So incredibly proud of both of them- Lexie for stepping up and running fast, and Melanie for posting a Great race time- 4 hours 33 minutes !!!!

"While we waited for Melanie to run the first 25 miles, we had the pleasure of sitting roadside with Hailey and her mother Lisa to cheer for the runners as they passed by, and got to greet and hug several other Jimmy Fund families at Mile 25 !!! We also were joined by Kristen, the Kristen of Team Lexie and Kristen, as she had the day off and took the T over to hang out with us for a few hours !!!! We have certainly had our share of glorious moments with great friends this past few days !!!!

"It has been a pretty special start to this vacation week, and now we are taking a breath, and Lexie will attend her swim team's swim camp for the next three days until we shove off for Phila. and the Atlantic Ten championship weekend !!! Emily has a couple dance events this week, and she will reunite with her Tufts Sisters next Saturday, on the way home from a dance competition !!!

"We are feeling very grateful for so many things this week, and the first one is having a week of vacation !!!!

PEACE, MY DEAR FRIENDS !!!!"

Hopefully I'll have some new pictures to post soon.

In the mean time. Congratulations, Melanie and Lexie on a great run for Cancer Research!

B

Boston Marathon

Tomorrow is the Boston Marathon. Tonight Lexie Williams' Mom, Alice, wrote in her Caring Bridge journal:

"At the Pasta Party, we saw Hailey and her people, got to hug Jim and Michelle Roderick, which was a Huge gift, as beautiful Erin was among the honorees- Lexie and Melanie sat and ate pasta together to get themselves carbed up for the Big Day tomorrow-

Tomorrow, Lexie will run the final mile of the Boston Marathon with her DMFC runner, which has been Melanie's wish since last year, when Lexie just wasn't capable of running a mile- What a difference a year makes !!!
So it's been a Whirlwind weekend, filled with action, friendship, love and more love !!!! Devon would have Loved this weekend !!!!"

How exciting to hear that Lexie has made such progress.

Go Melanie and Lexie Go for the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge. Go to help defeat Cancer!

B

Lexie's Jewelry / Boston Marathon

Another "snow" day today. The grandkids are home - cheering when they see the news on TV. It is hard to believe looking out the window that spring is coming soon. With spring comes the running of the Boston Marathon in April.

My friend, Melanie, who runs the Marathon for her patient partner, Lexie, is already in training. That means running miles everyday. For Melanie that is over and above her regular PE teaching and evening classes she teaches at the local "Y". Such energy.

Lexie, Melanie and I designed the "Lexie's Jewelry" line before last year's marathon. Those of you who have followed my blog for awhile are familiar with the line. We have been able to donate over $4,000 to the Dana Farber Institute for Cancer since we started selling.

I get lots of questions about how Lexie is doing so I thought an update here was in order. Lexie is now 11 years old and has recently passed several days worth of tests with the pronouncement of "STABLE" Such good words for Lexie and her family to hear. While that is good news for Lexie, she still is loosing many of her brain tumor friends. Lexie’s Mom writes a Journal at www.caringbridge.com/visit/lexiewilliams . She shares their good days and also some of their sad days. You can subscribe to the site and read her daily updates.

I'll be sharing each of the Lexie's Jewelry pieces in future posts. Stay tuned.

Or if you can't wait check out

http://www.bevsjewelry.com/ or

http://www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com/

B

Camp Sunshine and Brain Tumor Kids

Lexie, you may remember, is the 10 year old girl who has a Brain Tumor who encouraged me to start my Lexie "line" of jewelry. A bracelet, pendant necklace, earrings and choker.

You can see them on either of my web sites for Bev's jewelry.

http://www.bevsjewelry.com/ or http://www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com/

I follow the blog of Lexie's Mom at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lexiewilliams. I usually read it every night or early morning just after I get the email notification of a new post. This weekend they are gathering at Camp Sunshine in MA. This is a very special place for all kids with cancer but this weekend was only for those with Brain Tumors.

The usual comments are what happens in their everyday life. However, everyday life is very different to a Brain Tumor Kid and their families. No matter whether they are in remission or getting chemo or having surgery. They all look forward to and enjoy these times at Camp Sunshine.


Following her list of those in the group who are not doing well and what is going on generally, she normally has something philosophical to say. A meaningful quote or just her thoughts for the day.

Saturday's post had the following, quoting:

"When asked if she had three wishes recently, Hailey, thought, and I quote, 'For the world I would want a better environment. For my family I want happiness. And I don't want anything for myself. I'm really happy with my life as it is.' When her mother asked her, 'But Hailey, Wouldn't you wish to not have your brain tumor ???', she said, 'No. having my brain tumor has taught me a lot. It's taught me to be brave.'

"Those words really give you an indication of how truly Amazing our kids are - Hailey is a True HERO!!! (sorry for the three tries- I had tried to say heroi---, but it got censored) How could the world not be a better place if we just put Her in charge ??? She could ask her BT buddies to help her put it straight, but I know they would succeed !!!

"It reminded me of the time I asked Lexie of her wish for the world, and she replied, 'I need someone to find a cure for my brain tumor, so my friends would stop getting sicker and dying.'
What more can I say ???"


Indeed, what more can I say either?? Keep these kids in your prayers and take their words to heart.


B

One Meaning Couture Jewelry

This is a sample of some of the lovely jewelry sold at http://www.onemeaningcouture.com/.

Notice the number "813" forms a butterfly. The meaning of "813" is "8" letters, "3" words "1" meaning. The words "I Love You".

I found this site through the blog of Lexie's Mom, Alice Williams at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lexiewilliams

(You remember Lexie is the 10 year old girl that inspired my line of Lexie's Jewelry)

Alice has been writing a lot lately about "Sharing Love" and "Living in the Moment, Playing in the Moment, Cherishing every Moment". It s a philosophy that Alice is determined to see spread everywhere.

This is a philosophy that comes from living with Cancer patients and their families. Recently, one of their little friends, Devon, lost her battle with a brain tumor. It has been a time of healing and "keeping on" in the Williams family. It would be hard enough for them to loose one friend but, unfortunately, it is not just one in their circle of brain tumor friends.

This web site was recommended by Devon's father as one that was supporting Brain Tumor research by donating 8.13% of their sales (813 - get it?) to "The Friends of Jaclyn" a brain tumor child. This is the first of various charitable organizations that "One Meaning Couture" will be donating to various charities.

They have a line of apparel for sale, also. Check it out.

To me this sort of thing is a real win-win idea and worth supporting.

B

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

Remember "Y2K"? Ten years ago we were (well, some were) wondering if the computers would fail. Lots of things have happened since then. In the world and personally.

I was recovering from the year 1999 with treatments for Breast Cancer. And, Thank God, I'm still here, just 10 years older and retired. I've started a jewelry business that, though slowly, is growing. In the year 2008, our Lexie jewelry was able to donate close to $4,000 to the Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute.

Many, many thanks to those who purchased jewelry and to those who helped spread the word. Lexie is now ten years old and doing well, at last report. She still has hopes and prays that her fellow brain tumor friends will continue to improve. She has lost several friends recently and it seems to be getting harder for her to cope.

Lexie's Mom has a great journal on her Caring Bridge site and she has recently has some great reflective posts about what they have learned from the little kids who have not survived. Check it out at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lexiewilliams.

I plan to be adding more sophisticated things both to my web site and blog as well as to my jewelry designs. January always brings the desire to learn a new techinque. Last year it was Kumihimo. This year, I have some ideas but nothing definite yet. Keep tuned.

Any how, what are some of your 2009 goals? I'd like to hear about them and thanks for reading my blog in 2008.

B

Lexie's request

I subscribe to Lexie's Caring Bridge web site updates. I received an update this morning with a simple request from Lexie. (She does not ask for much!)

Here is her request written by her Mom, Alice Williams:

"We are doing well, and Lexie is getting very excited about the upcoming Holiday, as you can see by her choice of backgrounds here- !!! She has a request, if you have a minute- Lexie would like to get a message from someone in every state between now and Christmas Day !!! Could anyone who lives anywhere write her, and ask your friends who live in obscure states to leave her a message ??? I know this a challenge, but she rarely asks for much, so this must feel important to her !!!
Thanks everyone-
PEACE, MY DEAR FRIENDS !!! "

You can read the whole post at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lexiewilliams.

You can go to the site and leave a message for her. She has quite a few already but one from every state - not sure.

Thanks to you all. Remember how lucky we are to be healthy.

B

Lexie's Jewelry line

Yesterday, I had trouble adding pictures. (I think blogger gets too busy sometimes) Anyhow, I decided to follow up with the other pictures to sort of finish off the post. This is the choker. About 16-18 inches with a chain to make it adjustable.

Here is the pendant necklace. The pendant is on an 18 inch sterling silver chain. Available in each of the five Swarovski pearl colors in the Lexie bracelet.

Then there are earrings also available in the 5 Swarovski pearl colors.

Melanie asked me to make a matching anklet. I purchased the 4mm Swarovski pearls to do that but so far, I haven't had time to do that yet. Interesting idea, however.

For each purchase $10 is donated to Cancer Research.

B