Community Support

Gaston Gazette, April 27, 2007
Relay for Life gets an assist from Facet Foundry
Facet owner has personal interest in finding a cure.

Facet Foundry Jewelry Studio is participating in Gastonia's Relay For Life event this year by donating two items of jewelry to be given away in a drawing to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The first item is a Sterling Silver Pandora bead bracelet with a pink theme using beads with pink gems and pink mirano glass beads. The bracelet has a bead with the Breast Cancer Awareness pink ribbon. Retail value of the bracelet is $580.

The second item is a 14k sapphire and diamond pendant designed by owner Brent Messer and created by goldsmith Bob Putnam. The pendant named "Circle of Hope" is comprised of multi-colored genuine sapphires arranged in a circle creating a rainbow effect. A white ribbon containing ideal cut diamonds is suspended in the center of the circle. The multiple colors represent the various forms of cancer. Retail value of the pendant with chain is $1,895.

Facet Foundry Jewelry Studio owner Brent Messer wanted to get involved with Relay For Life this year after having cancer strike two of his associates last year.

Carol Stowe's husband Keith was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during the first of June. He succumbed to complications from surgery in mid July. He was 50 years old and dearly loved by his wife, three children, friends and the girls softball team that he coached.

Sue Whitaker's husband, Jim also was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and after a yearlong, valiant fight, succumbed to his cancer just after Thanksgiving. He was 60 and is survived by his wife, a son, daughter-in law, and two granddaughters. Sue who is a breast cancer survivor of six years, fought along side Jim, researching new treatments and leaving no stone unturned in order to give Jim a chance.

Both Keith and Jim were remarkable men who faced unfavorable odds with a smile on their face, and an unrelenting positive attitude. The wives that they left behind are the survivors of their husband's cancer.

During the 15-year history of Facet Foundry Jewelry Studio, there have been other employees, Maryland Price and Vicki Freeman who were affected by cancer. Both lost their battles. There have also been many customers and friends of the business who over the years have been touched in one way or another by this disease.

Messer and his associates want to honor those who have survived and those who did not by bringing awareness and raising money for research to fight against the many forms of cancer.

The colors of cancer:
Most people are familiar with the color pink representing breast cancer. The multiple colors in Brent Messer's "Circle of Hope" pendant represent the various forms of cancer.

Pink - Breast Cancer
Light Blue - Prostate Cancer
Teal - Ovarian, Cervical, and Uterine Cancer
Gold - Child Cancer
Gray - Brain Cancer
Green - Kidney Cancer
Lt. Purple - General Cancer
Dark Blue - Colon Cancer
Yellow - Liver Cancer
Purple - Pancreatic Cancer
Periwinkle - Stomach Cancer