It Started with a Phone Call

At the turn of 2014 I received a phone call from a woman I have yet to meet in person, but after speaking to Ms.Terry Vickers, Founder of The Makayla Jefferson Foundation, an instant connection was made. That connection was our children and fashion.

We shared with each other the love we have for our children. Terry described her daughter Makayla’s winning battle with Leukemia, while I spoke about my daughter, DaVae’s losing bought against a severe asthma attack. We understood how our experiences have shaped and molded our future. I explained that creative energy is therapeutic and helps me cope with losing my 7-year-old daughter, DaVae. Just two weeks after Makayla’s second birthday, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Terry described how Makayla’s brave fight inspired her mission to raise funds for children fighting pediatric cancer, as well as, preventative research. Terry is bringing awareness to leukemia and pediatric cancer through education and quality of life programs for patients and their families.

Makayla Jefferson

DaVae LaVon James

 
Through Terry’s efforts of raising awareness and funding, she presents Fashion for a Cure, as we segued into our next connection…fashion! I was invited as a designer to showcase on the runway of Fashion for a Cure, Sunday April 27, 2014 at the Colony Square Atrium in Atlanta. I’m looking forward to showcasing pieces of my apparel, jewelry and handbag collections, which are derived from soul-soothing creative energy. My 14-year-old daughter, Donyae, will also grace the runway in support of her mom and our efforts to be triumphant through tragedy. If you will be in the Atlanta area, I would love to see you there, as 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit organization. In addition to the fashion show, there will be music, a silent auction and a raffle with amazing prizes!

Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite
For more information please visit the Makayla Jefferson Foundation

 

Respectfully,

 

Jenee Dionne
Jurney Jurray, LLC
http://www.jurneyjurray.com
jewelry@jurnejurray.com

Because Everyone Knows Someone…

In light of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to share how closely this hits home for me. When I was 11-years-old I watched my Aunt Diane take her last breath in a hospice where she spent her final hours battling breast cancer. Three years later my mom would be diagnosed with the “big C”, which had an unknown primary located in the breast region. At 11, I didn’t fully grasp the finality of death as I felt pain for my cousins who had lost their mother to breast cancer, but having to personally face that reality at 14 was difficult. I recall mentally trying to prepare myself should I lose my mother just as my cousins had lost theirs. I am thankful to have only had the fright of this thought without living the nightmare, as my mother’s cancer was removed and has not returned since.

Overtime I have met beautifully amazing women who have won their fight with breast cancer and today I would like to honor them. I met Ivy Hurt, while selling my jewelry at a market in Marietta, GA. Ms. Ivy came to my booth, asking if I had any pieces that represented breast cancer awareness, and my reply was “no, but I’d be happy to make something for you.” I then created a center piece necklace with a large pink amulet of quartz that dangled a silver cross from a hand-beaded chain of pink crystals, the ribbon of hope and a silver dove charm, as a gift to Ms. Ivy. As I continued my journey crafting jewelry, I later came to meet Angela Pitts at a women’s empowerment meeting in Duluth, GA. Ms. Angela had purchased feather earrings and from there our relationship had blossomed, as she told me about her battle with breast cancer. I recall Ms. Angela telling me how her neighbors would cook for her and how much that gesture meant to her. My mom later told me that she had intentionally gone out of her way not to worry my brother and I, while she had gone through surgery and doctors visits. She said she would often go to a place of solace where she could enjoy nature and think, and that to me is strength, to take all of your fears and tuck them away not to alarm your family. Although I live over 1,400 miles away from home, I can’t physically hug my mom, but I do each day in spirit and I am most grateful that we never skip a beat as we talk everyday!

Breast cancer is such a widespread disease that, I believe we all know someone who has battled this disease. If you can, hug that beautiful woman! I encourage you to reach out and say “I love you.” And ladies continue to be proactive, self-monitor and have regular check-ups.

My contribution to Breast Cancer Awareness. Hand-beaded pearl corset cuff bracelets.

With Love,

Jenee Dionne
Jurney Jurray, LLC
http://www.jurneyjurray.com