For the past three years, my family has participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a fantastic event where, for 24 hours, people come together to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research. The event itself is like a festival with activities and live music. There are touching moments, like the lighted luminaria bags that encircle the walking track, each one bearing the name of someone with cancer. Despite the heartbreaking stories of loss, a strong spirit of hope pervades the entire event. It’s been an incredible experience for my family over the years and I highly recommend you check to see if there is one in your area. You don’t need to spend the night or join a team; start by simply stopping by the event and see what it’s all about. With this event fresh in my mind, I decided to see how the fight against cancer is done on Etsy.
Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.
On the surface, you might think this lovely original oil painting has nothing to do with cancer. But the artist’s entire shop, Painting Well is dedicated to cancer research and 100% of her proceeds are donated to charity. (She also administers an Etsy shop called Handmade Help which is a collective of artists, all touched by cancer, who donate their proceeds as well.)
Happy Haven’s approach is a bit more straightforward, wouldn’t you say?
If you’d prefer something a bit more subtle, Nature’s Garden silver “hope” pendant is a beautiful option. Added bonus: the proceeds go to Relay for Life.
Etsy artists are there for each other through good times and bad. While Stalking, I came across Etsy Project Embrace which has been started to support fellow Etsian Laura Slocum who has been recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. A number of shops have teamed up for this project, like Maisy and Alice who offer lovely felted and knit pendants.
Dealing with chemo induced hair loss can be demoralizing to say the least. Etsy to the rescue! There are all sorts of wonderful hats and wraps available, including some specifically made to be chemo caps. Kas’s Creations calls hers Cro Wigs. They are extra soft on sensitive heads and add warmth along with style. For each one she sells, she donates one to a local cancer center.
If someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard to know what to do or say. From the many supportive cards available on Etsy, I chose a few of my favorites. A Creative Need makes these cards that say “I’ll Be Your Umbrella”. Such a sweet sentiment as well as a sweet card. And again, the proceeds go to cancer research!
Ribbons and Shadows puts a positive spin on a dreaded side effect and suggests you use the inside of this card to plan a shopping trip to help your friend choose a “New You” look.
Finally, I think Drury Lane Designs has hit it out of the park with this idea. Her sister is battling breast cancer so she transformed a paint can into a gift basket full of support. She filled the one for her sister with things to help get her through the chemo like warm socks, lip balm, puzzles and more. She’ll decorate the can for you, then you can (shop Etsy to) fill it yourself. What a clever and practical way to help a friend in need.
Yours in hope,
Curator V.
{ 4 comments }
As a two-time cancer survivor, I have been honored at several Relays for Life, doing the survivors’ lap. Your article was lovely, and I so much enjoyed seeing the way artists and artisans on etsy are generous with their and their sharing.
Violet, this was one of my favorite exhibits ever. Thinking that your family was walking that track and passing a luminaria with my dad’s name on it makes me get really choked up. These sellers are awesome.
This is a wonderful post reminding everyone that hope is what gives us the strength to fight cancer and awareness is the key to that fight! Thank you for sharing this and ultimately helping us support cancer research to find the cure!! My Aunt and my best friend are both cancer survivors!!
This is a fantastic post. First, I have just realized that an Etsy curator exists. Hooray. But then a collection such as these! I participate in numerous Team in Training events (fundraising for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and have done several other Cancer fundraisers. Important to remember the whys behind the events.
Thank you for sharing.
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 1 trackback }