I am thrilled to sit down and write today so I can tell you more about our Share the Love collection we launched this October to support Breast Cancer Awareness and benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Like all great collaborations, this started with friendship. As you know, we spend our summers in New Hampshire. Every morning, a lovely gentleman named Jim and his dog Daisy would walk by my house. These chance meetings were a daily check-in and treats for Daisy and our dog Chloe. But, they soon evolved into coffee dates with his wife Barbara, then cocktails, and quickly a true friendship connection. I love our ‘summer friends’ in New Hampshire and having Barbara become a part of my life has been a pleasure – the best part is, Barbara and Jim ALSO spend winters close to where we take up residence in Florida – so we get to be summer and winter friends!
Barbara (like many of us) has become a bit of a Jane Win collector 😉 and a true advocate for our jewelry! I knew that she was a breast cancer survivor and when I was searching for the right partner for our breast cancer awareness initiative, I asked for her insights. She shared her story with me and introduced us to the wonderful people at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund. We are THRILLED to be working hard to raise money in their name with this beautiful collection of coins and charms. I wanted you to be able to hear more about Barbara, and she kindly agreed to let me interview her for the blog!
With so much gratitude, please meet and enjoy this glimpse of quality time with my friend, Barbara:
Barbara! This is such a dream come true. THANK YOU for introducing us to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and bringing this Share the Love collaboration to life. Can you tell me about your breast cancer journey?
My relationship with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute began long before my breast cancer diagnosis. It started in 1977, when at age 27, and a new mother, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a hematologic cancer. After 6 months of chemotherapy treatment, the Dana-Farber team saved my life and I was able to enjoy my life with family and friends. Fast forward 44 years, I received another shocking diagnosis, Stage 1 Breast Cancer. Again, I was lucky to get amazing care at Dana-Farber after being diagnosed early and I only had to have minimal surgery and medication for several years post-diagnosis. And, I continue to do well. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute not only provides compassionate care, but they provide bench to bedside research that is world-renowned.
From my first diagnosis to now, we knew we had to give back. Jim and I serve as trustees of the Institute and co-chair the Dana-Farber Society, which is for planned giving. Throughout the years we have also volunteered and worked hard to fundraise. We are devoted to helping Dana-Farber Cancer Institute find a cure to save lives.
Clearly you have a great relationship with Dana Farber. I understand Jim was treated there as well? Can you tell me a bit about that?
When Jim was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, he was provided with the expert care he needed at Dana-Farber. We are truly blessed with the care we both received there, and we have sent many people there for first and second opinions. The work they do saves lives every day.
Do you have advice for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are going through treatment?
The best advice I can give to others with breast cancer is to go to a dedicated cancer hospital, if possible, to get expert opinions and options to make the right decisions for your care. I felt that Dana-Farber Cancer Institute spent quality time with me, never rushing me, throughout my whole care process. They helped me make the right decisions for me. Let your doctors lead your way through the journey. Stay strong, stay hopeful and be positive.
I have ‘called you out’ as a collector of Jane Win. What is your favorite piece from the Share the Love Collection…and what is your favorite all time Jane Win piece?
I have the Love - Courage - Strength Original Pendant Coin from the Share the Love Collection. It is meaningful for women who are going through breast cancer themselves or if they know someone who is.
My favorite coin though is my Hope Original Coin. Jim gave that coin to me on our anniversary because he knows that I believe strongly that you always have to have hope. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute gave me that hope from the very beginning of my cancer journey over 48 years ago and continuing now. It is a message that is very important to me and the Hope Coin captures that!
Thank you to Barbara for helping us highlight the incredible efforts of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. And for reminding us all that we choose the power we need…Love, Courage, Strength (and Hope!)…I love her words: Stay strong, stay hopeful and be positive.
