Dear Chris,

Ten years ago my three and a half year old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. While getting treatment at Morristown Memorial Hospital, she and I both got Bling from your wonderful foundation. I still have my heart necklace from that time!

Last July I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today I started the process of radiation treatment. Guess what I received a decade after my heart necklace?! My Bling earrings - hearts to match my necklace and just in time for Valentine's Day!

Thanks so much for making an awful situation a bit better and a lot blingier - twice!!

Love, Eileen (and Healthy Elizabeth "Bethieboo")

Dear Chris,

     As you know, we bought a bunch of "Bling" shortly before Christmas. I decided to hold off and bling the recipients after the holidays, during the dreary winter months. So, finally, here's the story.

     We had lunch with Jim's sister today. After an unsuccessful lumpectomy, she will be undergoing a mastectomy this coming Friday, January 17th, in Scranton. As we left the restaurant we quietly gave her the gift bag. Three hours later when she arrived back in Scranton, she called to say that she had finally stopped crying, and that this was one of the most special gifts she has ever received. She was blown away and deeply touched by her bling! She made it a point to say she read every word of the letter that is included. We (you and Jim and I) really lifted her spirits. How do I thank you for that?

     The reason that we "quietly" gave her the gift bag is because Jim's brother and sister-in-law also joined us for lunch. Their oldest daughter, Jennifer, is scheduled for her 3rd chemo session this Tuesday, for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, at Memorial Sloane Kettering, in Basking Ridge. Jen decided to cut her hair short last week, but quickly realized that she is still shedding, and will go hairless next week. Today we packaged up bling for Jen, her mom Lenee (who was at lunch with us), her sister January, her sister-in-law Robyn, and her nieces Anna and Ella. (All to be worn as Solidarity Bling) The packages will be mailed tomorrow. It feels so good to share bling with Jen and her support team. I know that they will be delighted to receive their bling. Will update you after their packages arrive. (They were all over the moon with their Bling)

     Thank you for giving us a wonderful opportunity to give joy and sparkle to our loved ones who are so deserving of our support as they fight their battles. You are special people with a special foundation. We love you guys!

     Forever grateful,

Lynn and Jim O'Neill

A BLING UPDATE FOR THE O'NEILLS

As you read Lynn's beautiful letter above from last year on how much they love Operation Bling, please keep Lynn and Jim in your thoughts and prayers as Lynn herself has turned into a Bling Recipient Breast Cancer Warrior this Christmas. 
 

Dear Operation Bling Foundation,

I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer last September. although my prognosis is good and I have much to be thankful for, I continue to struggle with the emotional side of the treatment. My wonderful friend and Bling Angel Debbie surprised me with a beautiful necklace, shortly before my third surgery. The necklace is uplifting in a way I never imagined. Figuring out what to wear every day became stressful for me. But the necklace always makes me smile so I put it on whenever I get a chance! Your foundation's thoughtful and generous surprise will long be remembered and enjoyed!

Yours truly,

Monique

Dear Christine,

     The past nine months of my life have been a nightmare. From hearing the words "You have Cancer" to all the tests, biopsies, doctors, hospitals, surgeries, chemo and now, Radiation, there has not been any shining moments - that is, until yesterday. As I was explaining to the Social Worker my fears and anxieties about receiving this next phase of treatment, in walks a Nurse with a bunch of small little black boxes. I could not imagine what this was all about and then she and the Social Worker explained to me your Organization "Operation Bling"!!! WOW! You are truly an Angel in Disguise. I am now the proud owner of a beautiful pair of Blingy earrings with a dangling pearl! They are beautiful and every time I wear them, I will certainly think of you and the wonderful thing you have done for a perfect stranger. God Bless you and your family and all who help you make this "Operation" such a success!

                                               Anna

 Dear Chris,

     Thank you for you thoughtfulness in "blinging" me with the warrior bracelet! Although I rarely wear jewelry, I am thoroughly enjoying wearing your special gift! Somehow it does add to my determination to "beat" the cancer!

     From now on I shall wear your bling gift with great hope and with thanks in my heart for all your kindness!

With heartfelt thanks,

Elizabeth

I want to sincerely thank you for the lovely necklace from your wonderful "Operation Bling Foundation". I just completed chemo for Breast Cancer and will be starting radiation in a few weeks. I can't thank you enough for the lovely gift but most of all for your compassionate generosity to those of us that need a little "Bling" in their life at the moment! Thank you!

It brought tears to my eyes when the nice people in the Radiology department offered me to choose a piece of bling from the collection you provided. It has been a rough year with my cancer journey starting last January. Now it's almost over and I have a lovely pair of earrings to compliment my new "hair do" known as "chemo chic"! Thanks so much for your kindness!

.

FROM A HAPPY BLING RECIPIENT.....Thank you for my Bling! Dear Chris and Bill, I started my treatments for Breast Cancer at St. Barnabas this week. I couldn't have been more surprised when Dr. Grann and her Nurse Erin told me about Operation Bling and afforded me the opportunity to have a little bling of my own. It was such a "shining" moment on an otherwise scary day. I am truly touched by your generosity and thankful for your caring spirits. I will wear my new "bling" necklace with pride and hope! 

My sincerest thanks, Lisa
 

​A few weeks ago, as I sat for my chemo treatment, I was approached by hospital staff with boxes of really nice jewelry. I was totally surprised and it put such a smile on my face! They told me to pick something. Wow! How nice is that! Totally unexpected - and sincerely appreciated! Thank you so much for my beautiful heart earrings. I will never ever forget the happiness you filled the room with, nor the great big smiles you put on the patients faces, including mine! Thank you so much for the wonderful charity you have. I am 
eternally thankful!

Hello,

     It was a pleasant surprise to be invited to choose a pair of earrings to encourage and inspire me through my treatments for breast cancer (at St. Barnabas). They remain an especially special pair that remind me of the many blessings in my life as I move into 2 years of clear tests! Thank you for the work you are doing.

Sincerely,

C.S.

They are possibly sitting right next to you! Knowing what Bling does and understanding the value of it, makes this foundation all the more special. At a dinner party, my friend's Aunt was admiring her relative's sparkling cross necklace. As the daughter explained that it was a "Bling Gift", her Aunt immediately said that she was "Blinged" with a necklace at Morristown Medical Center at the end of her chemotherapy. She began to smile and stood tall and said, "I felt that it was my badge of honor! I wore it proudly and was so excited that someone thought of me!" This lovely woman is now 83 years old. What a wonderful feeling it is to know Chris and Bill Ferdinand. To know how God has blessed them. This journey needs to grow and grow. Anyone who has an interest in development of Operation Bling should contact Chris and Bill Ferdinand.

Much love, Bernadette Bonner

(Thank you Bernadette for sharing this awesome story! )

​

I wanted to share my story with you. It started about 5 years ago while I was a Director for the Pop Warner organization. We brought in a bunch of vendors for one of our Sunday games in October - of course I was drawn to the jewelry vendor (Operation Bling Foundation). I purchased a pair of diamond (cz) hoop earrings from Operation Bling - pretty good deal for $45.00. I was told that for my purchase an item would be donated to a cancer patient. I thought "what a nice gesture", but wasn't confident that would happen. I mean, how can they afford to do that? I was just happy I got a beautiful pair of earrings. 

In 2015, two days after my daughter's 14th birthday, I wasn't feeling so great which blood-work and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of Leukemia. I was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson and ordered to stay for one month and begin chemo treatment. All the while trying to be brave, an angel appeared. I can't remember her name, or who else was in the room when she told me I was "Patient of the Week". She brought out a tray of jewelry and told me to pick one! I couldn't believe it - I burst into tears! I picked an orange stone ring which I'm sure is no coincidence as I later learned is the color for Leukemia. What a confirmation! 

I continued outpatient treatment for 7 months and finished in December of 2015 - in time to celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary! I am in remission now. Operation Bling brings hope and strength - I am full circle proof!

With deepest gratitude-

Pamela S.

I took the above photo days before Christmas in our store last week. Pam came in to pick up a Bling Gift for her cousin who happens to be going through exactly the same diagnosis that she did. Pam who was first a Bling Recipient has now turned into a Bling Angel herself by blinging her cousin! Pam did not make it out of the store without purchasing a Bling Gift for her own daughter as a Christmas present....a true gift that pays it forward! BLING ON!

Dear Chris and Bill,

What a wonderful surprise I had on my last day of radiation. I was told that I was going to get a gift, and I said my good health was all the gift I need. They said I was going to the "Bling Store". I thought what in the world is the "Bling Store"? They took me down the hall and into a room where there were 3 trays of beautiful jewelry...earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets. I found the most beautiful ring. I tried it on and it was a perfect fit! What a lovely way to celebrate a milestone occasion.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Fondly,

N.P.

Bling Angels Sally and Angela from St. Barnabas in Livingston shared this recent blinging story.

My patient was thrilled with her Bling! She chose a pendant last week on sim day and told me she had her son's wedding this weekend. Yesterday, when she was here, she came and showed me beautiful pictures of herself dressed up at the wedding proudly sporting her Bling! Particularly special, since, for this breast cancer patient---we are treating her on the right side, she had left sided treatment 7 years ago. Congratulations to the Mother of the Groom and the new Bride and Groom! BLING ON! 

Melissa turned 36 on the day of her second treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma. She had given me a call and I invited her to our store for a "little blinging"...and blinging we certainly did! She and I had so much fun! Melissa's husband was her high school sweetheart. They have three beautiful little children. She showed me a copy of her scan and how it was lit up with cancer. This young woman is old enough....or young enough...however you want to look at it....to be my daughter! Her strength and outlook and warrior-ness inspired every ounce of me! I know that our Bling Recipients are touched by what we do for them.....but truly, we are always more touched by them! Thank you Melissa! BLING ON!

    I recently received a beautiful gift from your organization during a visit to my radiation oncologist at St. Barnabas Hospital. I was so surprised and grateful for this very lovely gesture! How wonderful of you to have thought of and created this wonderful foundation! I can't tell you how much this brightened my day - and my days since. Going through chemo and radiation is certainly a challenge and definitely has its dark days. Knowing that there are people like you who are thinking of me, praying for me, and adding sunshine to my life is just an incredible feeling!

       Thank you, thank you!

       Sincerely,

       Roanne 

My name is Ann Allen and last week I was reviewing the prep steps with my nurse Erin for my breast cancer radiation that starts tomorrow. How overwhelming it all is! Even though my husband was right at my side, I felt so alone and lost.

       After all the "stuff" we reviewed I was spent. She then said now for the last item and asked if I had heard of Operation Bling. Of course, I had not and proceeded to watch as she pulled out multiple jewelry cases and told me that I could select, free of charge, any item I wished. After the initial shock, a smile crossed my that is still there. What a delight! What a "boost in the arm" of joy and calm. I felt like me again for that very special moment, I was in charge again because I got to select something that I really liked. My new bangle bracelet and I will be going through radiation together!

       My many, many thanks for the beautiful gift but most especially for thinking of all of us who are in a scary, new place for the time being. The thoughtfulness and generosity is so appreciated. God bless all of you for your great work.

       Gratefully and humbly,

       Ann

While most think of July 4th as night skies filled with sparkle, wow and bam, I prefer to think of the 4th of July's sparkle as wow, bam and BLING! My sister Kathy along with her friend Sue and I made a little road trip home visit on the 4th of July to BLING the mom of one of my sister's old students who has had six surgeries this year for breast cancer with her last one only a week before our visit. Well....SPARKLE, WOW, BAM and BLING we did! We thrilled Betty beyond her belief! Shown here is Betty sporting her brand new Bling Ring!

BLING ON!

Add some more info about this item...

Get your heart warmed by this lovely note from Walter's daughter.....He was actually blinged on Operation Bling's birthday, March 1st!

"Dear Chris, Bill and Operation Bling, Hi! Today is my dad's first day of chemo. We had many sleepless nights getting to this day. Dad has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. We are heartbroken but will get thru this. Dad will have chemo 3 days a week every three weeks and radiation 2 times a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. We have a rough road ahead. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the beautiful watch you donated!!! It made our day and what a way to start this journey!! Thank you again!!! Forever thankful!! Walter and daughter Andrea"

How CUTE is he? Andrea also told me that her dad lost the love of his  life a year and a half ago. He beat bladder cancer and a brain growth...and now lung cancer! She told me she was serious in telling me that her dad's eyes lit up when he received the watch! It's like he hit the lottery! Operation Bling strikes again....in all a good way!!! BLING ON!

It's interesting how paths converge...

A few years ago when my daughter was in high school and very involved in theater, I was in charge of putting together the playbill for the productions. I remember that you always placed a small ad, a business card for Operation Bling. The first two years I put in the ad without thinking anything of it. There were so many of those business card ads and my concern was more about placing them in the playbill for maximum impact, than with what they were actually advertising. By the third year it dawned on me that the card said nothing about the business or organization and was therefore somewhat wasted in terms of advertising. I looked up your organization and was very touched by this initiative. I called you and asked if I could double the ad space at no extra cost and add a description of the organization. You agreed. After my daughter graduated I forgot all about Operation Bling (we live in Mountainside, not New Providence, so we never go by your store). Last week however, I was on the receiving end of your Operation Bling Foundation and although I am not someone who feels naked without my jewelry, the gift had enormous meaning. After being in and out of machines, poked and prodded and evaluating options with critical implications, focusing my attention on something as simple as choosing a piece of jewelry, made me feel like a human being again. It felt like the first intake of air after having held your breath for a long time. I wanted to thank you personally for all you do, and next time I need to purchase a piece of jewelry I will take a detour through New Providence. 

Regards,

Dani

Because we believe a pretty package is just as important and fun to the recipient as the Bling Gift that is inside, we dreamed up the perfect presentation. When a cancer patient chooses their Bling Gift from one of our Bling Angels, their gift is then packaged and presented in a pretty faceted lucite gift box. The gift box is inserted into a white organza bag that has our printed story folded up and inserted inside the bag for for them to read about us. Also included is a laminated card that has our logo, contact information and the inspirational poem, "What Cancer Cannot Do..." It is a lovely presentation that is always well received. 

​

Putting together the packaging takes time, a lot of time. I used to enlist friends to put stickers on the bottom of the boxes, fold the letters with our story and insert them into the organza bags along with the laminated cards. Hundreds must be ready at any given time. Our friends were fussing and commenting, "the bigger we get, the more we will have to do this." I would pour them more wine. Bill would make them steaks instead of burgers. And I'd order them to be quiet and keep sticking and stuffing! But bribery was getting old!

​

TO THE RESCUE - ECLC! Early on in Operation Bling's journey, Ann DiTullio, a teacher at ECLC, came into our store to ask me if I had any work for them. Oh man, did I ever! 

​

The Education, Careers, and Lifelong Community is a private non-profit school located in Chatham, NJ. Their student population, ages 5-21, is diverse. Students are diagnosed with a wide range of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, intellectual or medical disabilities. 

​

Starting at age 14, ECLC students are prepared for life after graduation, through the SKIL (Seeking Knowledge for Independent Living) program. In dedicated Transition Rooms, students complete simple jobs and learn the soft skills of expected behaviors and attitudes in the workplace. They manage mailings, collate newsletters and create custom invitations, T-shirts, mugs, napkins, menus, and more. They even run the school lunch program. Operation Bling is considered an "employer" by providing tasks for the students. 

These projects provide services for real customers and take care of student needs. After mastering the basics, students move out into the community to "sample" jobs where they experience anything from child care and retail to food service, maintenance and office administrative support. 

ECLC teacher, Kathy Soden, works with her students throughout the year sticking and stuffing OBF packaging. Kathy even picks up and delivers our supplies at our store. The students take an immense amount of pride in their tasks, and Operation Bling is grateful for all of the work! To top it off, it doesn't cost OBF anything. OBF tasks are skills written into the ECLC curriculum. They are a not-for-profit and we are a not-for-profit. THANK YOU to the teachers and students of ECLC! BLING ON!

Jeffrey, his wife Donna and daughter Brittany came in our store to thank me in person the other day for Jeffrey recently being "blinged" at Overlook! They talked about writing a note, but Jeffrey said, "No, let's just go in and thank them in person!" Jeffrey was sporting his new Pulsar Bling watch and a GIANT smile! When they spoke, I cried and they cried the happy tears that often happens when a cancer patient gets "blinged." I thanked them for taking their precious time and energy to come in and see me and then asked if they could spare a little bit more time as I pulled out all of the Bling to "bling" the whole family! They had so much fun pouring over the jewelry, making their choices. We laughed and chatted and made connections of people we jointly know. Operation Bling has proven to me how incredibly small the world is!

Jeffrey later phoned to say he wanted me to share this thank you note. "I want to thank you for "blinging" a little sunshine on a not so good day!"

I thanked Jeffrey for making my day. He told me I made theirs! BLING ON!
 

.

THANK YOU so much for Operation Bling and all you do! I received my Bling Gift at Overlook Medical Center a little over a week ago and I was so appreciative and happy! I felt INCLUDED as you continued to spread your love and mission to women all over NJ! I will be visiting the website shortly and again I send a HUGE virtual HUG and many thanks for my BLING!!!

My support is very limited so I truly appreciate people such as you and your husband! I chose a beautiful, sparkling, princess cut emerald bling ring and I have just the perfect dress to match! "The BLING RING" was packaged so beautifully! Heartfelt oodles of thanks. To think of others and keep your mother's memory alive is the epitome of loving your neighbors!

​

Thank you, Janice

ps. I told Janice she looks STUNNING! She is a Breast Cancer Warrior!

We don't meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our paths for a reason. Operation Bling has gifted me with so many people crossing my path. I could not imagine my life without them being in it and the love they have shown me.

Jan and Bob Harris are an example of the gift of friendship associated with Operation Bling. Bill and I first fell in love with Jan and Bob when we started attending the Presbyterian Church in Morristown way before Operation Bling was born. They are living examples of quintessential good and loving people.

For 21 years, Jan Harris had been a faithful servant of the church and the community as Clothing Bank coordinator. She led more than 30 volunteers, knew the clients by name, and was sensitive to each of their needs. It may have been a jacket, new socks, underwear, toiletries, clothes for a newborn, or a blanket to keep warm - no matter the need, Jan was on it. The Clothing Bank was Jan's personal mission and she served with sensitivity, compassion, and integrity. When Jan decided it was time to retire and turn the Clothing Bank over to a new generation of volunteers, the Presbyterian Church in Morristown proudly dedicated and renamed the Clothing Bank as "Jan's Closet" in recognition of her years of service.

When Operation Bling began in 2008, Jan and Bob were cheerleaders and supporters from the start. They became official founders with their financial support allowing us to grow and keep blinging as many cancer patients as we possibly could. As Operation Bling's years went on, both Jan and Bob became Bling Recipients themselves, each a warrior doing battle with cancer.

Jan Harris died in 2017, after a long, heroic battle with cancer. Thank you, Jan, for everything. Go in Peace, well done, good and faithful servant and friend!

Love, Chris Ferdinand

Davis Stassfurth's parents have taught him the power of so many life lessons at the ripe young age of 8! Davis has learned responsibility by doing his weekly chores. He takes out the trash and recycling, cleans his room, makes his bed and carries in groceries from the car. If you are impressed with the chores, read on! The life lessons continue ... many grownups can't match what Davis has mastered!

Davis earns five dollars each week for doing chores. Davis puts one dollar aside for charity, two dollars into his savings account, and can spend the other two dollars on anything he wants. Davis gets to give his charity savings to the charity of his choice. Davis and his mom, Molly, recently came in to see me in our store as Davis had chosen to give his charity savings to Operation Bling Foundation. Davis brought in 16 dollars that took him all summer to save up!!! My heart was warmed! I am so impressed with, proud of and grateful for this young man, Davis Stassfurth. THANK YOU DAVIS!

On Thursday May 14th, I arrived on 3H, the inpatient oncology floor of St. Clare's when the staff informed me that there was going to be a ceremony, a wedding on the floor between a patient and his longtime girlfriend. As the staff started to say, one was getting cake, one was getting flowers and the official was waiting in the lounge, they mentioned that the only thing the patient wished he had was rings! Well, without missing a beat, I said "I can get rings!" I ran down to where I kept the Bling supply and brought the rings to the bedside. I introduced myself and Operation Bling. Among my rings, there was only one wedding ring for a man. I asked him to try it on and to pick one out for his girlfriend. It fit and as they say, "the rest is history!" A beautiful service was performed with not a dry eye in the room. Refreshments served and pictures taken. Love was felt throughout the room, and as Mr. L. said, "I can not believe what you all did...and there were even rings!" Operation Bling was able to help make their love story complete!

As told by Brandy Johnson; 

"Bling Angel Oncology Social Worker Ring Bearer MSW, LCSW, OBF Board member"

St. Clare's Cancer Center

.......and as Brandy said to me, "this is why we do it!" (Why we do Operation Bling!) BLING ON!

CONGRATULATIONS, hugs and BLING go out to the brides! Bling Recipient Lisa Ward and her partner Mary Ann DiPace officially tied the knot this summer at The Grand Summit Hotel surrounded by tons of friends and family! AND.... Lisa wore bling in her ears! (Lisa is on the left and Mary Ann is on the right)

​

Here is Lisa's original thank you note to us dated Valentine's Day:

​

Dear Chris and Bill,

I started my treatments for Breast Cancer at St. Barnabas this week. I couldn't have been more surprised when Dr. Grann and her Nurse Erin told me about Operation Bling and afforded me the opportunity to have a little bling of my own. It was such a shining moment on an otherwise scary day. I am truly touched by your generosity and thankful for your caring spirits. I will wear my new cross necklace with pride and hope.

My sincerest thanks,

Lisa

I would like to take the time to say Thank You Operation Bling for putting a smile on my mother's face! She was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer on February 8th and began chemotherapy on February 23rd. She began to lose her hair no sooner than 2 weeks later. It was the day before her birthday and it began to make her sad. We got her a short hair cut to only last her to her actual birthday, March 10th. The very next day, she made the choice to shave her head. She was comfortable with the way she looked, for the most part, but I knew she was struggling with the new, drastic change. We went through a few more treatments and Sandy in the Cancer Center at Overlook Hospital came walking around with "BLING". My mother, Mona, was so happy as she looked through all the beautiful pieces. She picked out beautiful earrings that made her face light up. She wore them for Sunday dinner and she just shined! Just want to say THANK YOU sincerely! You make a difference to each on of these patients that you are able to touch with a very simple gesture. May God Bless you and continue this wonderful "OPERATION" on putting joy in these lives!

Sincerely, 

Rana C. on behalf of my mother, Mona A. 

I wanted to send a note and  thank you for the watch given to my husband from your foundation. It was presented to us on his last day of chemotherapy and it brought tears to my eyes. The past 3 months have been our worst nightmare and at that moment, it brought a smile.

It's such a great foundation you've started and families and patients going through cancer treatments can use any little bit of light and that's exactly what you provided. So from the bottom of our hearts, we wanted to say thank you.

Keep up the Bling :)

Hi Christine,  

I went to your website today because I was the recipient of a beautiful piece of "bling" today at the end of my appointment with my radiologist at St. Barnabas. I am 33 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer last year when my daughter was only 4 months old. I wanted you to know that it really put a smile on my face and was so much fun picking it out. Thank you for doing Operation Bling. After months of chemo, surgeries, endless appointments and radiation, it's so great to take a break,  even if for a moment, to not think of cancer but to shop for beautiful bling!

Thank you again for your wonderful organization!

I was taken with your generosity when presented with a pair of earrings supplied by your foundation for outpatients at St. Barnabas Hospital. I wanted to let you know, while the process of diagnosis and recovery can be overwhelming, the kindness of friends, and indeed strangers, have moved me in ways I would never have expected. 

I was having a particularly difficult day when the nurse opened up this curious box filled with jewelry and explained the foundation to me. Again, thank you for adding a bit of sunshine. I plan to wear them during my radiation treatments that are forthcoming. Bling does make me feel good.

Add some more info about this item...

Today I was given the opportunity to pick out a beautiful piece of jewelry offered by your foundation. My choice was a necklace. I want to thank you for your thoughtfulness. How kind of you to think of others and be so generous. In two weeks, I will be starting radiation for breast cancer, after having been through chemo and surgery. The necklace put a big smile on my face and sunshine in my life. Many thanks for being so thoughtful.

Sincerely, Ruth

I just wanted to say a big thank you for Operation Bling. I had my last chemo treatment for breast cancer at RCCA in Morristown, NJ this past Thursday, and when the nurse walked up with this bag of Bling for me to choose from, I was stunned. You hit the nail on the head. So much is taken when you go through this process that you start to forget who the heck you are anymore. I am 37 with 4 young children and never, ever did I imagine I would be doing this.

I decided on a light pink ring. I am not a pink person and don't wear the pink ribbon shirts or hats or have the bumper sticker. Maybe it is my way of blocking it all out, but for some reason this pink ring spoke to me as if to say, "Hey, you need to remember this time no matter how awful it was because you survived it!"

From the bottom of my heart, thank you! Megan L.

I'm truly at a loss for words! Thank you so much for the ring I received this past Monday when I was receiving chemo at Overlook. What a surprise! I was stunned that I could choose a piece of jewelry! I did choose a beautiful ring! You surely put a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. God Bless, Maryann

Dear Chris,

Thank you for your thoughtfulness in "blinging" me with the warrior bracelet. Although I rarely wear jewelry, I am thoroughly enjoying wearing your special gift. Somehow it does add to my determination to "beat" the cancer. From now on I shall wear your bling gift with great hope and with thanks in my heart for all your kindness.

With heartfelt thanks, Elizabeth

Thank you so much for my Cinderella Bling moment. It was very much appreciated. I am about to start radiology and everything new about the cancer process just gets me very anxious. 

The only thing I ever liked about myself is my hair which I always kept long. Now I feel like Samson.

I wear my new earrings all the time.

Thank you for thinking of someone you do not even know!