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This is my dear friend, Joanne.  I have had the privilege and honor of working with her for the past three years at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.  I'm sharing the following story with you because it is Joanne’s spirit that has truly inspired Kimimela... 

In 2006 Joanne was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.  This news was devastating to us, Joanne's friends, at TCSVM.  Joanne is someone that always puts others first and, consequently, over the years, she has made some lasting and meaningful friendships.  It was her determination and beautiful spirit that touched everyone at TCSVM when she continued to work and maintain her positive outlook, even while fighting this cancer.  She is a strong and beautiful lady who has, even in her darkest moments, cast a light and grace that has touched us all. 

In 2008 I ran the Boston Marathon and raised over $7,000 for cancer research in honor of Joanne.  I initiated the “Wings of Hope” as my fundraising campaign.  I created and sold bracelets- teal blue with a butterfly charm- inspired by Jo.  To me, the butterfly's struggle to emerge from the chrysallis and begin its new life in its beautiful  new form is analogous to the struggles we often endure to reach a more meaningful end.  

After completing the marathon and the fundraising, I continued creating a variety of unique and beautiful jewelry.  Hence, Kimimela (Native American for butterfly) emerged.  It is Joanne’s beautiful spirit and grace that truly has inspired me.  As my way to continue to honor Joanne a portion of the proceeds from all sales will go directly to fund Ovarian cancer research and to help raise awareness of this disease.

Sadly, Joanne has been called home on November 25, 2008.  Sad for those she has left behind but certainly she is in a beautiful and happy place now...a place she knows only love and peace, surely an angel among us. 

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in  Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us".

-Author Unknown