We tell her story with the hope the information we’ve learned will save the lives of others. After being misdiagnosed for four years between the ages 16-20, it was discovered during Jacqueline’s treatment that the underlying cause of her cancer was an inherited genetic mutation known as Lynch Syndrome. Lynch Syndrome is a common, but an under-diagnosed hereditary genetic mutation believed to be present in 1 in 279 people living in the United States. In addition to CRC, Lynch Syndrome is also associated with an increased risk of endometrial, ovarian and other cancers. It is 43% more common in the population than the BRCA 1/2 gene mutations for breast cancer, but not nearly as well-known – neither in the medical community nor the general public. We now understand the importance of knowing, understanding, sharing your family medical history, and being proactive with your health. Knowledge is power!
The mission of the Jacqueline Rush Foundation is to save lives by improving public and medical awareness of Lynch Syndrome. March is National Colorectal Cancer Month and March 22 is National Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day.
This March, together with jewelry designer Mariana Russo Chambers of Cut + Clarity, we will be hosting a giveaway of the diamond and gold “Tushy” necklace.
Elizabeth Ryan (pictured - below), a colorectal cancer survivor diagnosed at 29, commissioned the necklace to celebrate being “cancer-free” for one year. Elizabeth, her mother and a friend proudly wear the original three necklaces as a talisman and to help spread awareness. In support of CRC and Lynch Syndrome awareness, the necklace will be available for sale on the Cut + Clarity
website in both solid gold and diamond ($425) and platinum vermeil and diamond ($250) with 25% of sales benefiting the Jacqueline Rush Foundation.
In keeping with the foundation’s mission, Rush Against Time – Live in your Genes, (2021, date TBC) directed by May Yam, is a documentary telling Jacqueline’s and urging people to advocate for the health of themselves and loved ones story, focusing on spreading awareness about Lynch Syndrome.
Her Story
As an immigrant from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cut + Clarity founder Mariana Russo Chambers lives out passion and tradition in every aspect of her life. Growing up, Mariana observed her parents’ hard work and dedication to improving their lives and the world around them. These values have become a driving force in her life and career and are ingrained in the foundation of Cut + Clarity.
Over the last two decades Mariana has created jewelry collections for world-class brands and retailers. In 2017 as her family grew, so did Mariana’s desire to leave her daughter with a legacy she could be proud of. One that showcased her immigrant roots and the value immigrants create in local economies and throughout the country.
Mariana turned her passion to New York City’s Diamond District - 1 of the 5 largest diamond exchanges in the world and the culturally diverse microcosm, upheld by immigrant craftsmen. With love and dedication, Mariana has made it the purpose of Cut + Clarity to lift up the time-honored practices of craftsmanship, artistry and diversity.
INNOVATION
Simply put we’re experts.
Instead of telling you what to buy, our platform allows you to personalize and design your jewelry to create exactly what you want. Using technologies like 3D printing and laser cutting, we create efficiencies and deliver expertly made pieces with zero waste. We bring the custom jewelry experience to you, handmade by industry leaders that have worked for heritage houses like Tiffany, Harry Winston and Cartier.
It’s a beautiful thing.
Instead of telling you what to buy, our platform allows you to personalize and design your jewelry to create exactly what you want. Using technologies like 3D printing and laser cutting, we create efficiencies and deliver expertly made pieces with zero waste. We bring the custom jewelry experience to you, handmade by industry leaders that have worked for heritage houses like Tiffany, Harry Winston and Cartier.
We don’t skimp out on you or our makers.
Each piece we make employs 5 - 8 jewelers in the NYC Diamond District. Our product is made with hundreds of years of combined jewelry expertise and traditions. We have access to not only top jewelers, but also the finest raw materials in the world. This translates to real value for your money and lets you focus on what really matters - recycled gold, ethically sourced stones and supporting the communities that make it happen.
