The Power of an Idea: The Healing Odyssey Bracelet.

Susan Brown, a participant in Healing Odyssey 15 (April 2001), wanted to remain connected to the extraordinary survivors of her retreat by making each woman a beaded bracelet. The response from her fellow “campers” was touching; the bracelet seemed to represent something special to each person, and was a talisman of shared experiences. But it was when several women called Susan to ask, “I love my bracelet, can I buy them for my friends in support groups?” that the first cottage industry of Healing Odyssey was born.

Through the sale of bracelets, Healing Odyssey has earned many thousands of dollars, found dozens of new friends, and increased awareness of the issues of cancer survivorship. The community connections created by the making and selling of bracelets has been extraordinary. Women have “recognized” each other by their bracelets, cancer survivors have learned of the retreat program through a bracelet, and support for newly diagnosed women has literally been sent all over the world from a friend or family member. Perhaps most powerful bond has been created by the tradition of gifting a bracelet to each retreat camper that was made for her by a survivor of a previous therapeutic cancer recovery program. Each bracelet bears the tag that includes the message, “this bracelet is a love connection to all cancer survivors”.

Susan Brown was given a special honor at the 8th Annual Reunion for Healing Odyssey Grads for her innovative and generous contributions to Healing Odyssey, but no award can capture the power of this idea, and the creativity and determination of many to implement the plans. Volunteers have held home “Bracelet Parties” for community friends and family to make a bracelet and a donation to Healing Odyssey, volunteers have hosted and attended “Bracelet Production Parties” to make bracelets to be sold, and many volunteers have talked about Healing Odyssey and sold bracelets at their doctors’ offices, to their customers, and to their friends and families. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible success story!