I sometimes think that the most important work I do is to travel around the country, raising funds for research to help cure Multiple Sclerosis.
My best friend from childhood has MS; and she has the kind that gets worse all the time. Seeing this little jumping bean, who was always ready for a trip or a prank, shuffling her way gingerly across the room wrings my heart in ways that I can't describe.
Not long ago in Indiana, I met a young man named Brandon Anderson. A guy with an eye, he was tired of the rubber bracelets everyone has -- the ones that read LoveStrong, Survivor, HeartStrong and so on. They come in different colors, each one symbolizing a commitment to fighting a given disease (or to promoting the love of a religion or another cause, such as literacy). The one for Multiple Sclerosis is rainbow-colored, because Multiple Sclerosis is an equal-opportunity beast that doesn't care who it destroys.
These bracelets are great.
They're earnest and they are heartfelt, but they are... rubber, the equivalent of a gasket around the wrist. They're fun to wear for a day, but no one would wear one as a fashion piece.
And so, in a tribute to his mother, Robin, Brandon created another kind of awareness bracelet. This one is made with Aurora Borealis Swavorski Crystals separated by ornate beads of sterling silver. It has a toggle closure, which is thoughtful, because not everyone who has MS (not everyone, period!) is successful in working an intricate clasp alone. The toggle holder is heart-shaped, and from it hangs an awareness "ribbon," fashioned from sterling silver.
You'd think it would cost a heck of a lot of money.
It does not. Buying 76-100 Prism of Hope Awareness Bracelets costs.. $35.
Of that, 30% goes to the Robin C. Anderson Multiple Sclerosis Fund, administered by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Indiana State Chapter. But you don't have to live in Indiana to contact Brandon and order bracelets.
In his design studio at 23 North 10th St., Suite A , Noblesvile, Indiana, 46060, Brandon makes other beautiful things as well. But this bracelet is special to me. It's beautiful and it's lovely; but it also symbolizes two things to me that are close to my heart: a son's love and the belief that people burdened with a chronic illness need not sacrifice beauty and grace.
In fact, when I've worn my bracelet simply as an accessory, people have asked me where I bought it. It's that pretty. It catches the sun and sparkles like a river.
I have five sons. I hope one day that one of them feels moved to make such a gesture toward me that Brandon Anderson felt moved to make for his mom. And I hope I deserve it.
Jackie M.
Comments (2)
Hello!
I first want to say that you are my favorite author. I picked up the Deep End of the Ocean, and I loved it, then I read a Theory of Relativity and I was HOOKED. I just graduated from college last year, and as you can imagine I haven't had time for leisurely reading, but I've still bought your books. This past weekend I picked up The Breakdown Lane (started it Saturday and finished it on Sunday) and I just got off the phone with my mother telling her to read it. I didn't tell her why, but I told her to read it. My mother has MS and she is one of the lucky ones to have been in remission for quite sometime, however I am always sending her articles on treatments, new therapy's and such, as well as donating to the cause. I would LOVE to purchase two of those bracelets (one for myself and one for her- her birthday is July 13th). After I read this post I tried to google looking for some sort of online store but I could not find anything. Is there an website or a way I can order these bracelets? Please let me know!
Also, I was floored when I got to the end of the book, My mothers name is Pamela as well.
Thank you Jackie- I'm sure your best friend appreciates all your help and support and I will continue to support the search for a cure as well.
Posted by Sara Peitz | June 28, 2007 9:14 PM
Posted on June 28, 2007 21:14
I was touched by your article. I work with a woman who has MS. She is 45 and will not give up hope! She still gets into work every day (which face it, she should not be driving since her legs don't work so well - but the DMV felt differently last year), on the flip side I know that for her once that is taken away she will shrivel up and die, emotionally.
She can't even use a walker anymore and we help her by meeting her at her car with her skooter.
We are her support, we keep her going and feeling needed and productive and will as long as it's possible.
I searched to try and find a few of the bracelets you mentioned by Brandon Anderson and I cannot find them. Please help! At least I feel like I can be something to help this awful, destructive disease. I just want to order 3 of them.
Your help would mean so much to me.
Thanks,
Katie
Posted by Katie | July 6, 2007 6:42 AM
Posted on July 6, 2007 06:42