Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of the 12,500 families this year that will get the shocking and horrible diagnosis of childhood cancer, and the countless millions who have come before them, we would like to help promote September's cause: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Over the years, Cathy's Creations has worked hard to raise awareness and funds for several children and families affected by childhood cancer, and with the help from some generous Frikes, sales of jewelry have gone to support people suffering through difficult times, and also some very distinguished charity organizations. While the topic of childhood disease is always a difficult one to approach, we try our best to reach out to those who are in need of love and support during a time where they are facing the absolute worst thing that any family can imagine.

We would like to recognize those affected by this terrible illness whose stories have touched our hearts and whose families we have grown to know and love.

Riley, a beautiful little girl who is suffering from several medical conditions, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Funds from the sale of Riley's bracelet help support The Dragonfly Foundation, an organization that helps to bring joy to the lives of children suffering from cancer and diseases of the blood.

Allison, a three year old who is suffering from stage 4 neuroblastoma. All proceeds from this bracelet have sponsored her family's struggles with medical bills and living expenses during their difficult time as they continue their fight against cancer.

Avery, who bravely fought a brain tumor for over a year and whose love for horses inspired her mother's request that all donations to go directly to the Front Range Equine Rescue to help prevent the abuse and neglect of horses.

Cody, an athletic and intelligent teenager who lost his battle against Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare and agressive form of bone cancer. Proceeds from the sale of Cody's bracelet have sponsored research about Ewing's Sarcoma in his name.

Faith, whose extreme battle with cancer earned her a special place in our hearts and our lives as she struggled through several obstacles before earning her angel wings. All jewelry sold in her name benefits the Faith Fulmer Foundation. (Faith also has a pendant, an additional bracelet listing, a charm in her honor, and a ring.)

Madeleine, a nine year old girl who lost her battle with a stage 4 glioblastoma brain tumor. Proceeds from the sale of the pendant are donated to Dell Children’s Blood and Cancer Center (CBCC) in Madeleine's memory. (Please also view Madeleine's pendant on our website.)

Ethan, a young man who fought hard in his battle against stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumor that originates in the soft tissues of the body. After struggling almost two years, Ethan's body succumbed to this aggressive disease, but his spirit lives on in the Ethan Josted Foundation, which is partially supported by proceeds from this bracelet.

Zoë, a beautiful baby girl who was only two months old at the time of her diagnosis of a malignant rhabdoid tumor and who passed away at only five months old in her home, surrounded by her loving parents. Team Zoë jewelry supports the financial cost to her parents for medical expenses during Zoë's fight with her rare and aggressive form of cancer. (We also offer a pendant in addition to the bracelet.)



Additionally, to support cancer research and awareness, we have created jewelry that is meant to call attention to foundations that support our belief that we can overcome this terrible disease!

Our CURE bracelet supports the efforts of CURE Childhood Cancer organization, which focuses its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer and reaches out to families who are navigating the dark waters of childhood cancer.

Our NEGU pendant, inspired by Jessie Rees' motto "Never Ever Give Up." Jessie struggled to overcome her two brain tumors for almost a year before passing away. $5 from the sale of each pendant will be donated to the Jessie Rees Foundation for Joy Jars, which help spread happiness and hope to those struggling with childhood cancer.

Please join us in our efforts to raise awareness in September, and all year, in honor of those we know who have battled and those who are yet to face their struggle. Let's work together to make childhood cancer a disease that future generations will never have to know.

In Honor of Sofia

Losing a parent is like losing a piece of your past, present, and future. What you are hopefully left with is an impression of love and caring that will last you through the rest of your lifetime.

For some of us, what we are left with is so much bigger and requires so much more dedication and love that we are compelled to share it with others. It is not often that one person can touch someone so deeply that the mark they made on one life is enough to then, in turn, influence hundreds, if not thousands.

Yet this can be said of Cathy's mother Sofia.

In the time since I first met Cathy, I have seen firsthand hundreds of lives changed by Cathy's work but only after several months of watching one beautiful act of kindness after another unfold did it ever occur to me to ask Cathy how she got started and what inspired her to change so many lives. Cathy shared with me the touching story of her mother's life, explaining the kind of woman her mother was. Strong, resolved, in some ways old fashioned and in other ways ahead of her time, but always loving and caring. Unlike so many people, she walked the walk. She spoke of kindness and generosity, but instead of just lecturing, she lived her life for others as an example. Cathy shared that Sofia's motto was: "If you can help, help wholeheartedly. If you are going to hurt them, turn and walk away quickly."

This motto and the way that her mother lived her life inspired Cathy's own path. When Cathy began to make bracelets, the first one she created was in honor of her mother. Originally an item she handed out to others to honor her mother's life and raise awareness for breast cancer research, Sofia's bracelet became the first Etsy item on Cathy's initial sales page to become cause jewelry. Since this humble beginning, Cathy has gone on to create bracelets for over 80 causes, raised money to support people through difficult times, and created a loving and caring community of followers known as Frikes who have in turn spread their love and generosity onto others after being inspired by Cathy's Creations.

Sofia's influence has touched many and this weekend it may reach several more. Cathy is participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Race for the Cure in honor of her mother's passionate and giving life. In the true spirit of what her mother left behind, Cathy is now able to walk the walk for her mother.

Please take the time to leave words of love and support for Cathy's trek, or share how the influence of Cathy's Creations, and therefore Sofia, has touched your life. Cathy will check in to read these periodically to keep her motivated during her walk, and I'm sure they will keep her strong at heart always.

Cathy, I love you and I believe you have truly made your mother proud! Love, Nicole

Facebook Outreach Contest!

Calling all Frikes! Would you like to win a bracelet and also help Cathy's Creations stay as successful as possible in our endeavor to help do the small things that make a big difference?

We are asking to you to help us reach as many people as possible so that we can continue to host fundraisers for friends and charities in need. We have a lot of future projects planned to raise awareness and also financial contributions for some great causes. What we need from you is exposure!

Starting today and ending on Thursday the 5th at midnight EST, we are asking you to help promote our page; share our status updates, link your friends to our listings, help raise awareness for our cause jewelry in support groups, and otherwise spread the word!

Post our link on your wall and ask your friends to come join us. Help us add new Frikes to our page so we can reach more people, expand awareness of what we are trying to do, and help us make a difference. Every time you send over someone new, ask them to share your name as their referral on our wall. The person with the most referrals by the 5th will win a bracelet! All new friends to our page are welcome to take part in this contest as well. Anyone can play to win!

We cannot aid those we cannot reach, and we need your help to make this happen. Please consider taking a moment of your time to share our page with your friends- your participation is valuable not only to us but to those we seek to help!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is approaching and we would like to remind you all that while it is nice to enjoy an extra day off from work and some of the traditional beginning of summer rituals like bar-be-ques and swimming and other festivities, Memorial Day is, in fact, a holiday with an important meaning.

Formerly called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is meant to be a day where we remember the fallen servicemen for our nation. In December of 2000, a resolution was passed asking that at 3 p.m. local time, all citizens pause and take a moment of silence in honor of those who died while serving our country. Memorial Day had become a day to honor all deceased loved ones, and there was a great concern that its true meaning would be lost.

And while there is never a wrong time to miss or love those who have passed away, we want to remind you that there are many families struggling with the loss of someone who died to protect our freedom. One of our most touching stories can be viewed here. We must remember that, through our suffering and loss, thousands of men and women have lost their lives in battle and continue to even today.

We wish you all a wonderful and peaceful three day weekend. May the weather be beautiful, and we sincerely hope you get to spend some much-needed time with friends and loved ones, or even have some nice quiet time alone, doing something you love. But don't forget to take the time to remember and honor those who have fallen in the line of duty or who have served our nation and are no longer here to hear our thanks. If you know a veteran or a serviceman, acknowledge them on this and any day when you think of all the sacrifices they make for you. Telling someone you appreciate them and care is always a gift to be treasured!

Will you be remembering someone special this Memorial Day? Feel free to share your story below.

30 Ideas to Jump Start Your Spring and Summer of Giving!

Our 25 Days of Giving last December really put us into a wonderful state of mind to be able to help our friends and even some deserving strangers during the holiday season. But it shouldn't take holidays and snowfall to inspire us to care and help- so we want to do more now, and we want to invite you to join us!

Here are some spring- and summer- inspired ideas for helping out in your community:

-Pick up trash along the roadside where you live. It will clean up your road and the environment and make you feel accomplished!

-Make a new mom or dad friend at the playground. Simply approach a new person with a smile and a hello and see what happens! Being pleasant and cheerful will brighten your day even if you don't get far with others.

-Help your child open a lemonade stand or run their own yard sale. Donate the proceeds to a cause dear to your heart, or to a community staple.

-Swap a few hours of babysitting with a friend to give you both a break.

-Bring a cold drink to someone working outside... especially if they're not working for you!

-Write a personalized and meaningful thank you letter to your child's teachers at the end of the school year.

-Go through your closet and donate the winter items you will no longer need next season to a family who could use them, or to a shelter.

-Volunteer at a summer camp.

-This is a good time to put together an emergency kit for the trunk of your vehicle, or to refresh an old kit! Band-aids, fresh water, antiseptic, bug bite/sting ointment or spray, sunscreen, umbrellas, a change of clothes, etc. can not only help out your own family but also someone else in a pinch.

-Have your children try on their bike helmets, and if they don't fit anymore, donate them.

-Help a friend install a clothesline. It saves money and the environment!

-Prevent summer vacation boredom and arrange a toy and book swap among friends in your area. Have your children gather together their own toys or books that they are willing to part with, and meet up with groups of other moms and children to exchange for new items.

-Donate to a food pantry whenever possible. Even one canned or boxed item goes a long way toward feeding those who are hungry. This is a year-round need in every area of the country!

-Ask a friend how they are doing, especially if you know they have been dealing with extra stress or problems. Caring is always free!

-Call someone just to say "I love you."

-Donate a day off and participate in something meaningful. There are several fundraiser walks this time of the year, and shelters, pantries, or community service agencies always need a helping hand.

-Call the local school and volunteer for field day help or field trips. Many schools organize outdoor play or trips this time of the year and could use an extra hand. You may even get to do something new and exciting!

-Work together with the local library to arrange fun summer reading programs for kids.

-Help start or support a community gardening project.

-Volunteer to help set up or take down booths at the farmer's market. Local agriculture is important to the community and helping in any way you can shows the hard working farmers that you appreciate their efforts!

-Make cards for residents in local hospitals or nursing homes. There is no right or wrong time of the year to show someone that you care about them!

-Volunteer to read to children in the hospital.

-Pick wildflowers and deliver them to an elderly neighbor.

-Help an elderly neighbor or someone without a car with their errands for a day.

-With extreme heat on the horizon, keep an eye out on those who could most easily suffer from heat stroke. Casually check cars in parking lots as you pass by for animals, children, or even sleeping adults that could suffer distress if left too long. Do not be afraid to report any situation that appears emergent! It is always better to be safe than sorry.

-Donate outdoor toys that your children have outgrown to a local family that could use the help. If you are able, buy some inexpensive outdoor toys and donate them or leave them where they can be used by all. For example, if there is a community pool, bring some flotation devices and pool toys and leave them for everyone to share. Even leaving an extra bottle of sunscreen for those who forget it or can't afford it is helpful!

-Offer to walk a friend's dog for them.

-If you know a friend is going on vacation, offer to check in on their home and help with pets like cats, who need fresh food and water. Do it for free so your friend has one less expense during their time away!

-Wash your partner or roommate's car or clean it out- or both! Getting into a clean car can make someone's trip to work or school feel much more pleasant and less stressful, and small acts of kindness show that you care.

-Leave no trace. When using the awesome outdoor trails, parks, and playgrounds that are at your disposal, make sure you are responsible. Don't leave any human or animal waste, pick up your trash, and leave it as you found it, or better! Remember that these places are meant to be enjoyed by all.

These are not the only ways to show people that you care. If you have a favorite way to help others, or if you have an idea of what you'd like help with, share below! Are you feeling inspired? In what ways do you plan to help? Respond below and perhaps you will find that we are in a giving mood as well... ;)

Treat Yourself to Happiness!

Sometimes we forget in life that while we are busy taking care of others, we need a little TLC ourselves. Oftentimes we expect that others will fill our needs for us but this is not always the case. Even constantly giving to others is not always rewarding when we start to sense that we are running out of energy for our own needs. We have to make sure to look out for ourselves in order to bring fulfillment and joy into our lives. It can be very simple to do what it takes to bring us happiness, but we need to discover what it will take and then make the time for it.

Here are some ideas of things that can bring joy into our lives and can easily be added into busy schedules or tight budgets!

- Spruce up your look: Trimming or coloring your hair, painting your nails, waxing your eyebrows, or applying a little bit of makeup can go a long way for the ladies. But men can refresh themselves, too! New clothes, being clean shaven, experimenting with new hair cuts, or buying a new body wash can make us feel like a new person without breaking the bank. Trying something new is exciting and can give a confidence boost! It doesn't always take a drastic change to make us feel different.

- Rearrange your home: Moving your furniture can make your old home look nice and new. Some inexpensive accessories like throw blankets or pillows can make the space seem interesting again, and you might find that your new look is inspiring you to clean out some of the clutter that might make you feel bogged down. While it might not seem like it, rearranging furniture or decor can brighten your day and make you feel accomplished.

- Take or make some down time: Take a longer shower, hold off on the chores that aren't imminent, set the alarm clock for earlier in the day and enjoy your mornings more, go to bed earlier and get extra rest at least once a week- do something for yourself with your time. A few minutes of something you enjoy can make a big difference in your day!

- Disconnect: Unplug the phone, shut off the cell, log out of Facebook, turn off the e-reader, power down the television. Live with yourself for a day! Reconnect with your kids or friends in person and without being distracted by your text messages or instant updates. Enjoy life like you may have a decade ago, before you felt pressured to be immediately available to everyone. Let yourself remember what it feels like to spend time with a face and not a screen!

- Eliminate the things that are bringing you down: We often tolerate things or people that we don't enjoy because it seems easier, when really they are taxing our precious resources of time and energy. If someone is hurting you, let them go. If they have hurt you in the past, forgive them and move forward. If you own something that is nothing but trouble, repair it or replace it instead of tolerating it. Or at least set a goal toward repairing or replacing it that will help make it better. Sometimes things like constant car repairs bring us down fast. Set up a budget that allows you to start saving for the next vehicle, even if it is only a small amount of money at a time. Having a plan to get out of a sticky situation makes it feel more manageable, even if we have to deal with small stressors in the meantime.

- Get moving: Go for a walk, go mow the lawn, or even get up and stretch. Take a nice stroll after dinner to enjoy the fresh air, or eat your lunch on the go at work. Get up and move every few minutes if you have a desk job or spend a lot of time sitting during the day. Start a new exercise routine that fits into your schedule. Working out or even getting up and moving around can be inspiring, and it is good for not only your physical health but your mental health.

- Start from the inside out: Eat right, drink plenty of water, and take a good vitamin. Taking care of your health makes you feel good about yourself and gives you the energy to complete everything you need to do in your busy day. Good health and happiness go hand in hand, and you owe it to yourself to be the best you can be!

What do you do to keep yourself happy and treat yourself right? Share your ideas or expand on the above suggestions. We want to hear from you!

For the Lonely, On Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just a couple of weeks away, and it is time to think of how we will let some of the most beloved people in our lives know that they are important to us. Many people try to come up with loving and creative new ways to let the women who are mothers, or like their mothers, know that they care, and most mothers just want to spend the day with their children and the ones that they love.

But there are some whose hearts will be aching on this day, and several others. Our love goes out to them- these women who will never hold their babies again, or never could, and the countless many for whom the day is just another painful reminder that their own mother is gone.

Mother's Day may just be a Hallmark holiday to some, but to millions of others it has a powerful meaning. So few jobs require as much time, energy, affection, and giving as motherhood. Mothers are women who are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether working out of or in the home. Mothers make the difficult and selfless choices each day that better the lives of their children and propel them to great potential. Mothers are the people who are kept awake at night worrying over the simple things, and who drag themselves around on a cup of coffee and five hours of sleep to get it all done. A mother is what we become at the first positive pregnancy test, and what we then are until we leave this earth. A mother is the first person we miss each day once they are gone; the one whose hugs, love, and words can make it all right again.

A mother who still has her child is a blessed one.

A child who still has a mother is a blessed one.

Count your blessings this Mother's Day and remember that your work as a mother is valuable, appreciated, and noticed. Take the time to call or write someone who is missing their child or their mother this Mother's Day to let them know that you are thinking of them. And if you are lucky enough to have a mother and a child to spend time with this Mother's Day, shut off the TV and computer, unplug the phone, and devote your day to the people who you can't imagine your life without.