Stella’s Cup for the Cure
Stella Mazza – Stella's Cup for the Cure
I was one of the 800 women in Manitoba affected by breast cancer in 2003. Hundreds were affected years previously, and many more hundreds were inflicted by this horrible disease years after, right here in Winnipeg. Breast Cancer impacts the people living with the disease, their families, friends and loved ones. When I became familiar with the Guardian Angel, I realized their goals set forth, and my vision, were no different. To make our dream a reality, CREATING A WORLD WITHOUT BREAST CANCER!
Being diagnosed at 40 years of age, having to endure the year long battle of surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, I quickly become engulfed in the world known as Breast Cancer. I immediately set forth a plan of action that would assist me in my battle against this atrocious illness. This plan included overcoming chemotherapy successfully, keeping my blood levels strong and my immune system healthy, and how to stave off the possibility of recurrence. After many hours researching for the best defense, it was evident that a healthy lifestyle, including a Canada food guide based diet, and water as my first choice for beverage, was my best protection.
As a Tea lover, my researches led me to this fascinating health aid, Red [Rooibos] Tea. I have included Red Tea as my second choice of beverage for many years now, and am an adamant believer of its properties. Today I am surviving and thriving and am elated to be creator of this moving initiative. 100% of Stella’s Cup for the Cure proceeds goes toward this all important mission.
Kendra’s Walk
In the spring of 2009, 17-year-old Kendra McBain wanted to raise money to help support teens with cancer. She decided to organize a fundraiser at her school. That fundraiser became Kendra’s Walk.
In the three years following her diagnosis of a rare and aggressive cancer, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, Kendra had spent seemingly endless hours enduring chemotherapy and radiation treatments in the children’s section of CancerCare Manitoba. Although she received excellent and compassionate care, Kendra did notice something lacking – a quiet, comfortable spot where a teenager could get away from the noise and playthings of the younger children.
Kendra decided she could help. She would raise money to create a special place just for teens at CancerCare Manitoba, a room that would be a welcoming retreat to someone who was not a child, but was also not yet an adult. Despite her illness, Kendra put incredible heart and energy into organizing Kendra’s Walk. The inaugural walk took place on May 29, 2009. In December of that same year, Kendra died at the age of 18. Wanting to keep Kendra’s dream alive, her family and friends organized Kendra’s Walk 2010, followed by 2011, raising over $150,000 for Cancer Care Manitoba.
As part of the fundraising efforts by her family, Kendra’s Walk bracelet was introduced. Stella Mazza designed a Sterling Silver hammered chain link bracelet accented by a sterling silver cancer ribbon and purple Swarovski, which sold out within a couple of weeks. Following was a second version of a decorative bangle bracelet selling out within 3 weeks. Each bracelet sold for $30.00.
Stella and daughter Giovanna participated in Kendra’s Walk this past May, joined by hundreds more at SJR school.
Princess for a Day
“Princess for a Day” is a magical event I created after experiencing my battle with Breast Cancer. I purchased a princess gown for my (at the time) 2 year old daughter and after seeing her dance around, enjoying the moment, I instantly imagined many little girls sharing this thrilling fantasy, especially those living through a difficult time. Upon my recovery, I decided to devote time to developing a thrilling experience for little girls who were also struggling with a life threatening illness. After conveying my idea to director Maria Toscano from the Children’s Wish Foundation, she was thrilled and soon thereafter the event was implemented. October, 9, 2005 was the inaugural and my goal of fifty tickets were sold in record time. Princess for a Day is a 100% Volunteer based event with 100% of proceeds going directly to programs and initiatives set forth and carried out by the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Healing Heart Crystal Pendant for “Keeping Abreast”
In 2003, only a year after selling her life long company Stella’s Bridal, and giving birth to her third child, Stella was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, and a challenging year of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and breast reconstruction lay ahead.
During this difficult time, Stella rediscovered her all-time obsession to design and create with crystals, and decided this was a passion she would never abandon again. The healing and protective powers of crystals gave Stella energy and exhilaration to continue designing and to formulate long lasting goals. It is this constant state of mind that Stella credits today, as being the essential therapy necessary while enduring her battle.
The commonality of a breast cancer diagnosis in addition to reconstruction between Stella and Jackie Stephen, along with Stella’s belief in Jackie’s vision, led her to create the Healing Heart Crystal in support of “Keeping Abreast”. Now claiming themselves a Cancer survivor and thrivor, Jackie’s mission is to offer hope, encouragement and support to breast cancer patients and survivors, and Stella is passionate and elated to assist in this significant initiative.
Each Pendant is a Swarovski 50mm Crystal Heart with an added ribbon necklace and magnetic clasp.
$30.00 incl. taxes with all proceeds to the Health Science Centre Foundation for Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Education. For more info www.keepingabreast.org
