Butterfly of Life

Rita's Party

2009-06-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Last night we honored and remembered Rita by visited her at the cemetary and dinner at one of her favorite restaurants in St. Peter. It was fun to remember and share "Rita stories!" There is an empty spot at the store without her and hard to believe it has been a year without her.

We miss you Rita! - your divas at Exclusively Diamonds

June 12 marks one year, Butterfly of Life lives on as Rita's Legacy

2009-06-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Today, June 12, is the 1st anniversary of Rita's death. Butterfly of Life® designer, Rita Willaert, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2000. She faced countless chemotherapy treatments, surgeries and fought for a remarkable 8 ½ years. Sadly, Rita passed away on Thursday morning; June 12, 2008 in St. Peter, MN. She was surrounded by her family and close friends. Her spirit lives on through her work and her passion.

Thank you for your support and help in raising cancer awareness. Rita would be pleased.

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Rita's Story

Summer Sale

2009-06-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

All Butterflies are 20% Off!

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Survivor Story - NEW!

2009-06-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Nicky James' story:
Just two years ago, Nicky James was only 12 years old but facing a fight that many of us have only heard of. At 12 years of age, Nicky was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that attatched itself to the stem of her spinal cord. A cancer so rare it had to be sent off to St. Judes for research. Today Nikki is only one of a few that have survived this rare cancer and is currently cancer free. It however, did not come without a price. Nicky is now bound to a wheel chair unable to use her legs. This came after numerous surgeries to remove the cancer. I am inspired by the strength and courage of this young girl. My prayers are with all who have suffered, lost , continue to fight, or have conquered. · Nicky James Marana, AZ

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Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month

2009-06-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

June is Sarcoma Cancer awareness month. Yellow is the color used to raise awareness for Sarcoma Cancer. Support the fight with any of our Yellow Sapphire gemstone jewelry.

Butterfly of Life® supports Sarcoma with a yellow sapphire. Soft tissue sarcomas are malignant tumors that can develop from fat, muscle, nerve, fibrous tissues surrounding joints, blood vessel, or deep skin tissues. They can develop in any part of the body and there are about 50 different type of soft tissue sarcomas. Risk factors can be lifestyle-related, environmental, or inherited.Visit the Amercian Cancer Society to learn more about Sarcoma Cancer.

All Butterflies are 20% OFF for Mother's Day

2009-05-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Touch the heart of your Mother on May 10th, her special day, and support cancer research with a piece of jewelry from the Butterfly of Life collection.

All Butterfly of Life jewelry is 20% off! Shop Now

New Survivor Story

2009-05-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

My story is kinda long, but that's ok. In April of last year I went for my annual and there was nothing wrong. Shortly after that I had some weird pains and my periods were really heavy, but since I was ok in April I figured it was just hormones. My ob/gyn recommended Mirena - the birth control implant because at only 33 they found me to be peri-menopausal.When I went to have Mirena placed in June he found a huge vaginal mass and I found out the next day that in under 8 weeks I developed a very rare stage 3 cancer. I went to the gyno-oncologist the very next day and because the tumor was right against my bladder they were thinking they may have to remove my bladder, rectum, vagina, and the rest of my female organs.Luckily, I was with Dr. John Nash at UCONN and they had just gotten a new tomoradiation machine. He consulted with every doc he could get his hands on and thought we should try tomo first.It got rid of this immpossible cancer. It is so rare that I am only the 21st person ever to have this specific type of squamous cell adenocarcinoma - the uniguity is because it normally spreads through the glands, but my glands were clean and the cancer attached to the soft tissue instead - vaginal cancer itself is pretty rare. Apparently it's some sort of mutation. I also found out as far as anyone knows I am the ONLY survivor of this particular cancer.It has been tough. Twelve weeks of radiation, so far 10 moths of chemo (to be on the safe side because the cancer was so aggressive) and several surgeries to remove tumors on my labia and rectum. Yeah, I know, ouch.Luckily, I have a wonderful hubby of 13 years and a great support network of family, friends, and co-workers. I also have multiple sclerosis somy body has taken a whippin', but I'm really tough and I bounce back every time.In fact, I'm planning on going to Italy with my husband in the fall and getting back to all of my volunteer activities. One of the things I'm working on now is writing a book for newly diagnosed cancer patients to help them cope with facing their mortality - it can be a real brain bender, especially when you're young. If anyone needs a friend or has any questions about my therapy I can be reached at gahles@charter.net and will do whatever I can to help. Together, we can do this.....
Geizha West Hartland, CT

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All Butterfly of Life Jewelry 20% off!

2009-04-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

All Butterfly of Life pendants, pins, earrings and charms are 20% off - Just in time for Mother's Day! A portion of every butterfly sold is donated to cancer research and education. Shop Now!

Tell a Friend about The Butterfly of Life or Share your Story

Survivor Story

2009-04-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Faye Abilene, TX - At the age of 33 I was diagnosed with cancer, Ovarian & Uteran plus a volleyball size and baseball size tumor that were also cancer. I didn’t find out it was cancer until after the emergency surgery, I ended up having to have a hysterectomy. Four weeks after my surgery I started chemo. It was a terrible experience but, it made me appreciate life and strengthened my faith. I have been in remission 13 years!

Share Your Story: Click Here

Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month

2009-04-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

April is Head & Neck Cancer awareness month. Burgandy is the color used to raise awareness for Head & Neck Cancer. Support the fight with any of our Rhodolite Garnet gemstone jewelry.

Shop Rhodolite Garnet Jewelry Now!

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

2009-04-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

April is Testicular Cancer awareness month. Orchid is the color used to raise awareness for Testicular Cancer. Support the fight with any of our Amethyst gemstone jewelry. Shop Now

Butterfly of Life® also supports and donates to the LIVE STRONG® Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research and education. Armstrong is a survivor of Testicular Cancer. Click Here for more information on LIVE STRONG®

Butterfly of Life Newsletter - Sign up Now!

2009-03-23T12:58:00.001-07:00

Sign up for our Newsletter and receive exclusive offers, view new butterfly designs, share survivor stories and more! Tell your friends to sign up to continue the support in promoting cancer awareness.

Click Here to Sign Up!

Mother's Day is May 10th

2009-03-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Touch the heart of your Mother on May 10th, her special day, and support cancer research with a piece of jewelry from the Butterfly of Life collection.

All Butterfly of Life jewelry is 20% off!

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Butterfly Jewelry - to support hope in efforts for a cure

2009-03-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

The mission of The Butterfly of Life® is "To promote cancer awareness and support cancer research and education in efforts for a cure. We are committed to offering fine jewelry that cancer survivors and supporters can personalize and wear to support awareness, education and research. Our purpose is to raise money to support a cancer cure and carry out our designer's vision."

To learn more about Butterfly of Life donations or how we support cancer research Click Here.

The Perfect Mother's Day Gift

2009-03-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

This $85 sterling silver pendant, accented with a genuine pink sapphire, outlines the beauty and freedom of the butterfly. The feminine pink sapphire is used to symbolize breast cancer awareness. The pendant measures approximately ¾” by ¾” and is engraved on the back with the words, “Live Love Laugh.”

Shop all Butterfly of Life jewelry - now 20% 0ff!

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

2009-03-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

March is Colon Cancer awareness month. Blue is the color used to raise awareness for Colon Cancer. Support the fight with any of our Blue Sapphire gemstone jewelry.

Shop Blue Sapphire Butterfly Jewelry and support Colon Cancer Awareness

Share your Story

2009-03-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Click Here to share your story and cancer journey with The Butterfly of Life.

Interested in other survivor stories? Click Here to read how courage, strength and hope has influenced the lives of others.

Behind The Butterfly of Life

2009-03-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

Promoting cancer awareness and education. The Butterfly of Life® was designed by Rita Willaert, from St. Peter, Minnesota. Willaert worked in sales for over 10 years at an independent jewelry store, Exclusively Diamonds, located in Mankato, Minnesota. Willaert's passion for fine jewelry and drive to promote cancer awareness and education inspired The Butterfly of Life®.

Butterfly jewelry inspired by beauty and nature. Willaert knew she wanted to create a beautiful piece of fine jewelry that survivors and supporters could wear but would also donate to cancer research and education. In the summer of 2005, when thinking the task was too big, Willaert spent her day off outside on her deck enjoying the sunshine. It was at that moment that a butterfly whispered by her and she knew this was her mission for the remainder of her life.

Conveying a symbol of hope through precious gemstones and diamonds. The Butterfly of Life® was born and the concept has since evolved into a collection all from Willaert's original design. The butterfly silhouette represents courage, strength but most of all, hope. The various gemstones and diamonds are used to symbolize a specific type of cancer. This way anyone can wear the butterfly for cancer awareness or in honor of a special person.

Beautiful butterfly design helps support cancer research and education. The Butterfly of Life® donates a portion of every butterfly that is sold to cancer research and education. Willaert's goal was to raise $1 million. The butterfly has made appearances at Relay for Life events, Hospice events, benefits and more. It has been showcased on The Price is Right, KARE 11, various jewelry trade magazines and more.

Butterfly Jewelry lives on as Rita's legacy. Butterfly of Life® designer, Rita Willaert, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2000. She faced countless chemotherapy treatments, surgeries and fought for a remarkable 8 ½ years. Sadly, Rita passed away on Thursday morning; June 12, 2008 in St. Peter, MN. She was surrounded by her family and close friends. Her spirit lives on through her work and her passion.

An advocate for cancer awareness, a giver of hope. Cancer gave Willaert tools for her life that she never knew she had. She developed a compassion that was unmatched and connected with people in a powerful ways that gave them strength and hope. She taught people who were on the journey to Live, Love and Laugh. She has inspired many, touched countless survivors and supporters and is a true advocate for cancer awareness by bringing cancer to forefront of people's minds by sharing the journey of cancer with others. She was passionate about empowering women to be vigilant about their bodies, seeking medical tests and advice and warned not to ignore the signs that their bodies are giving them. Her passion and inner strength defines her as a true survivor. The Butterfly of Life® has allowed people all over the world connect and share with other survivors and supporters. Rita Willaert is a true advocate and will be missed dearly.

Shop Rita's Butterfly of Life® Jewelry Collection

Tell a Friend

2009-02-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your interest in The Butterfly of Life Jewelry collection! Help us spread the word and continue to support and donate to cancer research and education.

Click Here to Tell a Friend

A Customer's Thank You

2009-01-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in march of 2008. I was lucky it was early stage. I have been a butterfly lover since I was a child. For Christmas my husband gave the breast cancer butterfly pendant and earrings. I love them. I can't even tell you how many compliments I have gotten on the set. I felt it was wonderful that donations go for research."

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

2008-11-24T13:49:00.000-08:00

November is Pancreatic Cancer awareness month. Purple is the color used to raise awareness for Pancreatic Cancer. Support the fight with any of our Amethyst gemstone jewelry.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Pink is the color used to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Support the fight with any of our Pink Sapphire gemstone jewelry.

Butterfly of Life donates $2,000 to Lance Armstrong Foundation

2008-10-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

On September 27, The Butterfly of Life's Sarah Person presented Linda Armstrong-Kelly, mother of Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, with a check for $2,000 to go towards the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research and education.

This opportunity was made in-part by the Immanuel St. Joseph's (ISJ) Axillary Women's Expo that is held annually in Mankato, MN.

In addition The Butterfly of Life is proud to support a number of charitable organizations for cancer research and education, some of which include:

· American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
· Andreas Cancer Center of Mankato, Minnesota
· Cancer Center at MAYO Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota
· Hospice
· Immanuel St. Joseph’s Foundation of Mankato, Minnesota
· Susan G. Koman 3-Day
· Susan G. Koman Race for a Cure
· Susan G. Koman Ride for the Cure

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

2008-09-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

September is Prostate Cancer awareness month. Blue is the color used to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer. Support the fight with any of our Blue Sapphire gemstone jewelry.

Ovarian & Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

2008-09-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

September is Ovarian & Cervical Cancer awareness month. Teal is the color used to raise awareness for Ovarian Cervical Cancer. Support the fight with any of our Teal Diamond gemstone jewelry.