March Issue
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.