Breast cancer strikes thousands of women every year, regardless of age, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or economic status. 

Here at Gems & Jewels, we're no exception.  In November 2006, Lynda's 38 year-old baby sister, Stacy Roorda, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer with mets to the neck, chest, and bone.  This was particularly shocking to the family as Stacy has long lived a healthy lifestyle, growing her own organic vegetables and often selling surplus at the local farmers market. 

As Stacy's loved ones grappled with the news of very aggressive cancer in such a young, healthy woman with two beautiful young daughters, her story was about to get worse.  In the course of prepping for immediate surgery, Stacy's routine blood work revealed a shocking secret....she was unexpectedly pregnant. 

Since Stacy's cancer was a highly aggressive type that fed off her hormones like fuel on a fire, Stacy's case was urgently referred to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance where the panel of well-meaning specialists urged Stacy to immediately terminate the pregnancy so they could begin aggressive life-saving treatment.  Steadfast in her Christian faith, Stacy and her husband Matt refused to terminate.  The specialists, believing it was Stacy's life or the baby's life, got up and walked out of the conference room.  Stacy and Matt sat there alone, shocked, and bewildered.  They believed with all their heart that God gave them this unexpected pregnancy at this difficult time for a reason, and who were they to question God's decision?  Against the advice of the very best physicians in the industry, Stacy held strong in her decision to maintain the pregnancy.   Stacy's family, friends, and community began daily prayer vigils for her and the unborn baby.

Late February 2007, Stacy agreed to a highly specialized chemotherapy regimen aimed at slowing down the aggressive cancer and potentially offered fewer risks to the advancing pregnancy.   The doctors felt it was Stacy's only hope of prolonging her life.  The specialized chemotherapy regimen began, and the prayers continued.

By June 2007, scans showed that despite the chemotherapy, the aggressive cancer had spread down Stacy's spine.  The panel of specialists decided to deliver the baby eight weeks early before the cancer reached the placenta.  On June 20, 2007, a beautiful baby girl was born to Stacy and Matt.  They named her Jazmine. 

While Jazmine stayed behind in the Seattle NICU, Stacy was transferred home 90 miles north for immediate surgery with a goal of removing the primary tumor as well as multiple cancer-filled lymph nodes.  She then began an intensive round of radiation aimed at her spine, neck, and chest. 

Leaving her premature baby behind proved emotional and difficult for the family, but Stacy knew she had to focus all her energy on beating the cancer. 

Miraculously, Jazmine was growing by leaps and bounds and within a short ten days, she was released home.  The family rejoiced, yet taking care of a premie had a schedule all its own.  And with more aggressive cancer treatment now looming, Matt and Stacy needed to regain their energy and strength.  Visiting Angels trained in highly specialized premie care were hired for Jazmine during the night, and Stacy's older sister Patti cared for the three young Roorda girls during the day.  Stacy's family, friends, and community continued to pray for the family.

In November 2007, Stacy's scan miraculously showed no further spread of the aggressive cancer.  The Seattle specialists were stunned.  The entire family enjoyed a glorious holiday season.

It is now May 2008, and Stacy continues to hold her own.  Because the cancer feeds on Stacy's hormones, she was placed in chemical menopause since delivering Jazmine.  She also continues to receive monthly infusions to strengthen the bones filled with the "frozen" cancer.

In honor of Stacy's extraordinary courage and strength, Gems & Jewels will donate 25% of all sales from the Spring 2008 Regal Collection to the Sister Study at www.sisterstudy.org.  Sister Study is a national long-term study of women whose sister has/had breast cancer.

While our story is at the same time miraculous and tragic, and the end is yet unwritten, we hope Stacy's remarkable courage and strength will inspire you, as she has done for us during all these difficult months. 

Here's to you, sister!

There are many ways us women
can support those affected
by breast cancer yet sometimes
it is hard to choose where to
put our efforts.


Because we believe that
research dollars are needed
to help understand the familial link
in breast cancer, and ultimately a cure, Gems & Jewels will donate
25% of all sales from the
Spring 2008 Regal Collection
to the Sister Study.


To read more about the
Sister Study, visit their website at
http://www.sisterstudy.org/English/index1.htm


Stacy....she has hair!....
with Jazmine, Zoey, and Hannah.