Special Report: Necklace of hope

For most brides to be, finding the perfect dress for their perfect day is one of their only concerns. But for a Breast Cancer Survivor from Watertown, breast cancer threatened not only her perfect day, but her life.

Breast Cancer Survivor
"You think immediately am I going to die? And I think that’s probably uh how most cancer patients must imagine it, your immediate thoughts are how serious is it? Where is it? For me, with my wedding was three months away, losing my hair was a big deal."

With the help of advanced clinical research,  this survivor was able to keep her hair and embrace her wedding day as the perfect bride.

But it was during her treatments that she picked up the love of jewelry design... turning her focus from a frightening disease to something positive and creative.

Breast Cancer Survivor
"I focus very intensely and I don't think about anything else. I don’t think about the cancer, the next treatment or anything else except what I'm doing which is really a nice escape."

Four years since her battle began, and now cancer free, she's using her knack for design to instill hope and inspire other women fighting the disease.

Breast Cancer Survivor
"It's called the hope necklace."

The latest necklace, is the true sense of 'hope'. She's donating a portion of the proceeds to a Newton based charity called the Elly Fund.

Breast Cancer Survivor
"People can buy it and enjoy it wearing. Its not just a pink ribbon or something that you know I think is very common, something that anyone can enjoy."

For this survivor it’s a way to give back to the medical community, helping researchers continue working for a cure.

Breast Cancer Survivor
It's a great feeling, and I think...you know...it's a great feeling for people who buy the necklace too. And you know everybody should have a lot of hope, because there are a lot of great things coming to the horizon. Research saved my life and it will save others too.

The hope necklace is available in a handful of local stores, as well as online.

If you'd like more information on the necklace, click here.

Cancer.org

(Copyright (c) 2005 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) UPDATED 01/25/07 JNB