Stadheim gives jewelry
Published 9:21 am Friday, August 13, 2010
Mary Hendrickson, right, puts on a new charm to Lisa Vos’ Pandora bracelet Thursday at Stadheim Jewelers. For the third year, Stadheim teamed with Pandora to present cancer fighters with a charm. -- Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Stadheim gives jewelry to cancer fighters
Freeborn County cancer fighters were presented a token of appreciation Thursday during the third annual Stadheim jewelry giveaway on the eve of the 2010 Freeborn County Relay for Life.
For five hours, cancer sufferers and survivors registered with the local relay could come by the jewelry store to receive a Pandora jewelry item, a bracelet or charm depending on if they had been recently diagnosed with the disease.
First-time recipients received a Pandora Bracelet and Angel of Hope charm; repeat participants were given a cloverleaf Pandora charm, representing luck.
Mary Hendrickson slides the clover charm onto Lisa Vos’ Pandora bracelet. -- Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
“To see all the people who you don’t realize have cancer — who are survivors,” said Mark Stadheim. “It’s so prevalent amongst us.”
The event began three years ago as a partnership between Stadheim Jewelers and Pandora.
Stadheim Jewelers employee Mary Hendrickson said the cancer patients were happy, grateful, encouraged and positive in their reactions to the gifts.
“It’s fun to be a part of their hope and their strength,” Hendrickson said.
As an 8 1/2-year breast cancer survivor, Lisa Vos said she’s grateful for the encouragement the event gave her.
“I think it is a very generous show of support,” Vos said. “As cancer survivors, I think it’s important for people to recognize the struggles but also the positive times we go through.”
She noted that any attention that can be drawn to the fight against cancer is a good thing.
Relay for Life survivor chairwoman Jill Johnson said there are 420 survivors registered thus far for the relay.
The Relay for Life begins at 6 p.m. today, with the opening ceremonies at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.
Events have been moved inside the buildings at the fairgrounds because of rain forecasts.
