As every year, at NEHCAA we continue to support research into breast cancer. I am convinced that research into this disease is the only path to a cure. That is why two of our pieces of jewelry contribute to this cause alongside the Sandra Ibarra Foundation for Solidarity Against Cancer. One day I read a rather alarming article stating that one in eight women will suffer from this disease in the future. Thank God I have not experienced breast cancer personally, but I have had it close to me through family members and friends. So, being a researcher by profession, I wanted to do my part through my jewelry and contacted the Sandra Ibarra Foundation.

NEHCAA dresses in PINK with these Solidarity Jewels in support of breast cancer research

With the purchase of the "Yo Empatizo" (I Empathize) pendant and the solidarity bracelet "Te Veo Llena de Vida" (I See You Full of Life) you contribute with us to the fight against breast cancer. I created these two pieces of jewelry thinking of all those women who one day crossed paths with this disease and changed their way of seeing life. Jewelry feeds the soul; it makes you feel beautiful and powerful. And this is precisely what I want to convey with these solidarity jewels: beauty and power. Beauty to feel good and power to win the fight. We have sold many solidarity pendants and bracelets. With each sale, both you and I have brought a little more light to research. Because I am sure you also dream of seeing that breast cancer can be cured. Throughout this time, I have learned the stories of women who have identified with the jewelry and treated themselves. Others, however, have received them as a gift. And here I want to tell you the story of one of our NEHCAA girls: La Mari from Chambao.

Two great women who have won the battle against breast cancer and are #GENTENEHCAA.

 

Last May, I was lucky enough to meet La Mari from Chambao up close at a very intimate dinner organized by Cenas con Chispitas. There, she told us her story and her experience with breast cancer, which surprised her at 30 years old, when she was at her peak. Thirteen years ago, cancer was a very ugly word and relatively taboo, since saying it commanded a lot of respect. Despite the fear, uncertainty, and ignorance of what was coming her way, she took the diagnosis as something positive. Her words struck me: "Cancer did not come to kill me but to cure me." Quite contradictory, right? Once she clarified this phrase, we all understood her perfectly. Sometimes we lead wild lives, full of stress, bad habits, excesses and shortcomings, etc... A disease like this puts you back on the path of life. You start to appreciate the things that really matter. You begin to live from another point of view, that of simplicity and love. La Mari is so full of life that her eyes sparkle and she wears her "Yo Empatizo" pendant with such pride. Because she empathizes with life and with all those women with whom she shares the battle.

"Although it may seem like a cliché, you never think it can happen to you" - Toñi Infantes

I also want to introduce you to Toñi, another fighter and NEHCAA girl who, with her beauty and power, has beaten breast cancer. I wanted to ask her a few questions, which she answered with great affection and speed. Here I share our conversation via email. Toñi, cancer is a global health problem. One in eight women will suffer from breast cancer throughout their life. It is a fairly high number, but until you experience it up close, you are not aware of it. How old were you when you were diagnosed with this disease? 33 years old. How did you take the news? Badly, very badly. Although it may seem like a cliché, you never think it can happen to you. The first few days are very difficult; you live in a nightmare that you want to wake up from and get out of as soon as possible. Surely at that moment, you would have liked research into breast cancer to have been more advanced. That is why at NEHCAA we fight alongside the Sandra Ibarra Association against this disease. I believe research is the way to combat it. How did the solidarity bracelet reach you? It was a gift from my friends for my 40th birthday. What does the bracelet mean to you? Or what does this piece of jewelry represent at this moment? It means hope and tranquility, and it represents the fight against this disease, both by the researchers who develop new treatments to combat it, and by the patients who must fight day by day and in quite adverse moments. What would you say to women who are currently in your situation from 7 years ago? To have a positive attitude, to be optimistic, and to trust their oncologist fully. If you believe, you can! 

I could tell you many anonymous stories that have filled us with hope and fed the soul. It is so easy to help that at NEHCAA I could not pass up this opportunity. I feel super proud to be able to contribute my "grain of gold" to the Sandra Ibarra Foundation. Do you want to give a solidarity gift to that friend, sister, mother, aunt, etc., who is in the middle of the fight? Don't hesitate any longer; these jewels are the gift they deserve. And if you are not yet part of the #NEHCAASLOW club and are not #GENTENEHCAA, sign up for our club where I will inform you about beautiful stories, trends, jewelry, promotions, and discounts.

A hug, and let us toast to all those women who celebrate October 19th, World Breast Cancer Day, with a smile for having won their fight.