Holly - Thanks for giving Joanne such a surprise and reason to smile
Joyce-Thank you note
Pamela-Thank you for all you do!
Diane Wood and Brandy Johnson
Lauren
Carrie
Nicholas
Karen
Louise
Deanna
Maria
Debbie H
Adena
Cheryl
Karen
Lynda
Paula
Brian
Elisa
Terry
JG
Helen
Christine Ferdinand
Lynn
Dana
Maryann
Meg
Kathy
Michele
Patty
Megan
 
 
     
Thanks for giving Joanne such a surprise and reason to smile

Last November a very close friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and so began our long, sad, trying and confusing journey through life with cancer.  Needless to say everyone who knew Joanne was devastated and desperate to do whatever they could to help her.  Joanne was my most stylish and “hip” of friends who always loved the best!  She had gorgeous clothes, purses, and jewelry and loved to wear them all!!  During one of her cancer treatments at the Carol Simon Center she was Blinged!  I happened to be working that day so stopped in to see her during her treatment.  When I arrived, Joanne was so excited and happy to show me her “Bling” and tell me about the experience.  I thought what a wonderful foundation and how much happiness it brings to those so in need of a bit of joy.  Then I started reading the information she had been left about Operation Bling and realized…..OH MY GOODNESS….its Chris and Bill Ferdinand!!  I know you know how happy you have made so many, but I was there to see it and want you to know just how happy you made Joanne.  Amazingly she was Blinged again during a hospitalization at Overlook and was just as happy and proud of her jewelry.  Joanne has since lost her difficult battle and will be greatly missed, but her Bling lives on.  Her sister-in-law Cindy is proudly wearing the beautiful ring Joanne was so proud to show-off!  Your foundation is wonderful and you’ll be receiving a check in memory of Joanne from Peter and me. 
You are amazing!!

Thanks for giving Joanne such a surprise and reason to smile
Bling!!
Holly

 
     
To Chris and Bill Ferdinand

My name is Joyce, an advanced breast cancer patient at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.  In June I was hospitalized for the third time in just about five (5) weeks.  I was down in spirit as I had just discovered that the cancer had spread to my brain.  I usually look for anything positive in any situation, focus on that which is good and ask God to take over.  However this time it was proving very difficult for me.
I was feeling very depressed and very somewhat frustrated. Then one day my Social Worker, Alyson, visited me with what I consider some of the most gorgeous pieces of jewelry.  It was even more intriguing that I was given the privilege of choosing what I liked.
Not only did this gesture bring me one of the greatest moments of joy in my life, but it quickly helped to take me out of my state of self pity and remind me that there are people out there who care and will go to any length to lift of those of us who are sick and who will always find creative ways to remind us that there is always hope and a lot of love out there.

Thank you guys and God Bless you.  
Joyce

 
 
 
Operation Bling – You Rock! Thank you for all you do!

Dear Christine:
                                                                                              
My name is Pamela, and I have been a cancer patient for almost three years now.  Cancer certainly can have its fair share of ups and downs, but the surprise I received yesterday morning as a patient at Overlook Hospital from Operation Bling was one I will never forget.

I was admitted to Overlook on Tuesday and was only planning to stay overnight.  However, I unexpectedly wound up staying an extra two days.  Female cancer patients often feel naked, almost vulnerable, without their precious pieces of jewelry.  I have a great sentimental attachment to my jewelry and dread removing it to be hospitalized or scanned.

When the nurse supervisor, Cathy, came in yesterday morning to “Bling Me.” I had no idea what to expect.  I was mesmerized by the wonderful selection of Bling to choose from and impressed with the presentation of my gift choice in its organza pouch and wonderful story.  I felt very special and overcome with a feeling of warmth and caring.  It was a like getting a great  big hug from someone who truly cares, and I was left with a strong feeling that I was not alone in this fight and that others were fighting right alongside me. 

I selected a gorgeous pair of earrings and put them right in my naked ear lobes.  Those earrings made me smile from ear to ear.  I felt ready to face a new day. 

I am back at work this morning and have shared the wonderful story of the Operation Bling Foundation with my fellow co-workers who were stunned that such a thing existed.  They were lined up to admire my new earrings.  A few times a year, our employer, The Township of Bloomfield,  allows the employees to have a “dress down day.”  We all donate money to wear casual clothing, and they select a charity for the donations to go to.  I have spread the word and passed along your organization’s information so that the Operation Bling Foundation can be the beneficiary of the funds we raise from one of our next dress down days.

Thank you, again, for coming up with this awesome idea.  My daughters (19 and 15) were thrilled with this special surprise for their mom.  I believe that it helped them also feel less alone in this battle.  We were all deeply touched by the story of your mom Ruth and your customer Barbara and how your organization was founded.  You have the power to touch so many lives and hearts with the work that you are doing.  I am very proud of you and your organization as I am sure your mom and your friend Barbara are too.

Very sincerely yours,
Pam
July 7, 2010
 
     
 
Diane Wood and Brandy Johnson

We are among the newest of Christine and Bill Ferdinand’s Bling Angels. Our names are Brandy Johnson and Diane Wood. We are oncology social workers at Saint Clare’s Hospital. About six months ago, we heard about Operation Bling and thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could offer these gifts to the patients we work with?” We met Chris and Bill and ….

We have been blinging for several months now, and are so touched by the response of patients and their loved ones when we tell them the story of Operation Bling and ask them to choose a gift. Many of the gentlemen will say, “Oh, I don’t need anything. I don’t wear jewelry.” We reply, “Then choose something for your wife (or daughter, or someone who has helped you).” I recently had such a conversation with a man who was finishing his cancer treatment. He picked an angel pendant for his daughter, who is getting married next week. Another patient chose a piece and said, “I have a granddaughter. She can wear this one day and remember me when I’m not here to wear it.”

A bling gift brightens the day for a patient who may be discouraged, frightened and overwhelmed with their battle. It celebrates the moment when they are finished with their treatment. It tells them that someone cares and is praying for them.

For some the piece of bling they choose is a symbol of hope. For others, it is a way to thank a caregiver. For still others it is something to pass on and be remembered by. For us, the newest Bling Angels, it is our honor and a privilege to touch people’s lives in this way. Thank you, Chris and Bill, for making it all possible.

Love,

Diane Wood and Brandy Johnson
Sr. Oncology Counselors
Cancer Care at Saint Clare’s
 
     
 
Lauren

This is Lauren, a friend of Stacy's and I wanted to take this time to thank you for introducing me to your bling products last year. I ordered matching earrings and necklaces for my bridal party to wear the day of my wedding (12/4/09).

I presented the girls with the "bling" during the rehersal dinner the night before and explained the operation to them. I cannot begin to tell you all of the dropped jaws that were around the room! Each girl wore the matching pair and were honored to be a part of Operation Bling! They all looked beautiful the day of the wedding and I could not have spent my money any better.

Using Operation Bling for bridal party gifts is not only a great way to make the girls shine, but to give back as well! If you would like to see pictures, let me know and I would be happy to send you some. I am also definitely interested in the wine tasting in Whippany so hopefully I will see you there!! Happy New Year and congratulations on all the success that Operation Bling has brought!

Love,
Lauren O'Toole (Eldridge)
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Carrie
I received my 'Bling' last week during one of my radiation treatment visits at Overlook and I cannot begin to tell what a special moment it was! The technician was so lovely and kind and really made me feel special. It is such a nice gesture and I am so grateful!

It's a great idea and obviously born of great thoughtfulness for people at a very tough time in their lives. Thank goodness for wonderful people like you and all the folks involved in Operation Bling!

Best Regards,
Carrie Gennuso
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Nicholas
During a recent stay at Morristown Memorial Hospital, a young lady from your Operation Bling presented my wife with a piece of jewelry. This was a very kind and thoughtful deed. Now we would like to "pay back" and hopefully a little more for someone else!

Thanks so much,
Nicholas

ps. Very clever name, "Operation Bling"!
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Karen
I was recently hospitalized for recurrent ovarian cancer at Morristown Memorial Hospital. While I was there an Operation Bling representative came to my room with a beautiful piece of jewelry. This gift from Operation Bling made my day so much brighter and special because I knew that others cared.

I just wanted to thank Operation Bling for the joy brought to me and to other cancer patients. Enclosed is a donation so that Operation Bling can continue to bring joy and smiles to others.

Thank you,
Karen D.
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Louise
Thanks for the amazing work you do. I was "Blinged" the 1st day of my radiation treatment at Overlook last January. It was not my happiest day; however I could have never imagined someone I had never met gave me such a special "just for fun" gift. It caught me completely off guard and made my heart smile. It brought me happiness just when I needed some happiness. I selected earrings and they always warm my heart when I wear them! I hope this donation will help you continue doing your special work.

Louise
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Deanna
Hi Chris,

My name is Deanna and I have been a patient over at Morristown Memorial and I just finished my last day of radiation when the nurses told me that they have a gift for me and that's when I found out about your operation bling. I was so taken back and your foundation is so wonderful I wanted you to know that and to tell you how much these things do brighten our day. Thank you
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Maria
The strides you've made, the joy you've shared, the lives you've touched are testament to your drive, your energy, your faith, your commitment, and your vision.

Congrats on coming so far so fast!

And congrats on becoming a Mother-in-law!

Love ya!
Maria
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Debbie H
Recently my dearest friend, Debbie L.. passed away after her 15 month battle with breast cancer. In early August she received a ring from Operation Bling at Morristown Memorial. I cannot tell you how much pleasure that ring gave her- it was all she talked about for weeks.

I was wondering if you could give me some information on Bling Party Fundraisers. I would like to do something in Debbie's memory and thought what better way to honor her than by helping carry on the gesture of kindness that gave her such pleasure during her struggle.

Thank you for all you do for the wonderful organization.
Debbie H.
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Adena
Hello Chris. Thank you so much for sending the newsletter, I love it! I have to let you know that since you were last here, we have "Blinged" 14 wonderful patients! Lucy Anne and Beth have taken to thier roles as Bling Angels and have been met with lots of hugs and kisses this week in exchange for your wonderful Bling! One particular patient's story tonight was especially touching... She is only 54 and was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and had been taking her chemotherapy and doing everything as prescribed by her physician. She was very optimistic that the chemo would cure her cancer as her doctor had said. She was admitted to our unit yesturday with vague symptoms and today she found out that that the cancer has spread to her brain. When Lucy Anne went in tonight to give her some Bling she immediately began crying (as did her husband and her her two children who were also at the bedside) and they just couldn't have been happier as they said that this was the only nice news that they had gotten since they had been here! Everyone broke out in laughter and then hugged and it was a very special moment...

Thank you again for the wonderful gift of Operation Bling and the joy you have brought our patients!

Adena
University Medical Center at Princeton
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Cheryl
I want to tell you how impressed I am each time I read an OPERATION BLING Newsletter. I remember so clearly the day I was in your store, OPERATION BLING was just a thought at the time. It was the first few days that you had put the whole concept together. What a touching and caring and sensitive OPERATION it has become. The self esteem it restores and the dignity it strengthens is so vital to getting well and living strong.

Judi and I often say to each other how rare it is to find your passion, develop it and live it to the best of your ability. Operation Bling shows all of us what prayer does. Thank you for the perseverance of your daily prayer time and for actively hearing the answer to your prayers.

See you soon, Happy Summer,
Cheryl
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Karen
I am battling cancer for almost a year now and I was blinged last week at Morristown Memorial Hospital while receiving a blood transfusion. The nurse came up to me and said "have you been blinged?" I thought now what are they going to do to me? When she came over with the jewelry boxes and closed the curtain around me I was thrilled to see what she meant. Your jewelry is beautiful. I chose a pair of earrings and love them! I want to thank you for what you and your husband for what you are doing. It certainly put a smile on my face.

Thanks so much,
Karenl
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Lynda
My father, George, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in October 2008. We are pleased to report that Dad is fighting the good fight and is amazing us and his doctors on a daily basis. He has been rooting on his grandchildren at baseball and soccer games this Spring and he has found some time to get down to A.C. to roll the bones and play a few hands of black jack. He is eating well and giving Mom a hard time, so we know that he is feeling better!

While we are relieved that Dad is doing so well these days, we will never forget that Friday afternoon in October when our father's soon-to-be oncologist told him that he had Acute Myeloid Leukemia and that he needed to undergo immediate and intensive chemotherapy. You could have heard a pin drop in that room as all the air seemed to be sucked out with the diagnosis. For the next month and a half, Dad went through pure hell and back. He taught each of us that you can accomplish anything when your will to live is rock solid strong.

One day, in the middle of Dad's hellish hospital stay, a Bling Angel from the Operation Bling Foundation appeared with the box o'bling! Nothing gave Dad greater pleasure at that moment than to go "shopping" to find just the right piece of jewelry to give to his wife, to thank her for being there for him through the many highs and lows of his treatment roller coaster. When Dad gave Mom the bling, they both had tears in their eyes, overwhelmed by how much joy one piece of jewelry could bring. We were overwhelmed that one small gesture could restore a sense of normalcy to our lives when they seemed perennially turned upside down. For that, we will be eternally grateful to Chris and Bill Ferdinand and Operation Bling.

Thank you,
Lynda
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Paula
Christine - This is about the fourth time I've begun to email you and for some reason or another, I never sent it. Since this is two months overdue, I will definitely complete it!

A little bit of info about me . . . Almost five years ago I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is cancer of the plasma cells (or bone marrow). There is no cure for myeloma but it can be put into "remission." After undergoing a stem cell transplant in August of 2005 at Hackensack Hospital, my disease is now stable, or as I prefer to say, I am in remission. I do not have to take any medication or chemo at this time but I am tested bi-monthly and receive a three-hour treatment of Aredia which is to help my bones.

Late February I was sitting in the myeloma clinic receiving my treatment, feeling sorry for myself when I was approached by a nurse, the social worker and the front desk receptionist. At first I panicked that they were going to give me bad news but they were laughing as they walked toward me carrying a shopping bag. Much to my surprise I was blinged!!!! They told me about your program, gave me my choice of jewelry (I picked out a beautiful pair of earrings) and asked if I wanted to be put on your prayer list. Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled. Since I was young I have always had lots of bling. My son worked for Tiffany for over five years and then for David Yurman for three years. Need I say more?????

I think what you are doing with your program is absolutely fantastic. Cancer is not only a terrible disease but it is also a very lonely disease, no matter how many friends or family you may have. No one can understand how you feel when you look in the mirror at the sunken eyes, the bald head and the chemo spots on your face. What was once beautiful to someone is now a nightmare in your own opinion. What better way to make someone feel good about themselves then to give them some bling to make them sparkle and shine.

I found you on Facebook and joined your group which peaked my sister's curiosity. She read your website, also joined your group and has been emailing you since. I cannot thank you enough for making me and so many others feel beautiful again. You are obviously such a wonderful and giving person!

I recently took early retirement so that I could enjoy the rest of my life to the fullest and to pay it forward to so many people who have helped me during my lifetime. Please let me know what I can do to help your and Operation Bling.

My deepest thanks for making me shine. God Bless You!
Paula
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Brian
I wanted to share a unique experience I have had from Operation Bling's inspirational stories and individual success stories I have read over the past year. My name is Brian Capo; I am a family friend of the Ferdinands (went to high school with their son, Pete), Rutgers '08 Grad, US Army Military Police Staff Sergeant, and lost my mother to AIDS and a rare form of cancer back in November 2007. The Ferdinands have been there for all of these events and have supported me as if I were their own child, and with this same drive and desire to help others I have witnessed the awesome power of Operation Bling. Not until this past week did I share with Mrs. Ferdinand the impact Operation Bling's mission has had on my spiritual and emotional safeguarding while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom this year. The amazing dedication the Ferdinands, their volunteers, local businesses and of course the "Blingees" gave me strength and a smile during times where those things run scarce. Operation Bling is an amazingly unique, special, awesome, fun, decorative, empowering way to show support to patients during extremely difficult times.

I salute the Blingers, Blingees, businesses and supporters of Operation Bling. I thank the Ferdinands for showing just what the human heart is capable of, especially during times that I had clouded/tunnel vision in Baghdad. I plan on becoming involved in the Blinging with Operation Bling, and just wanted to take this moment to share the impact this inspirational program has had on my life...from across the Globe!

Thank you for all that you do. Hooah and keep "Blingin!"
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Elisa

My name is Elisa Stefanski, and recently I had the privilege and pleasure of being blinged. Although I have been fighting Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer for 3 years I was never hospitalized   until a month ago. My stay at Morristown Memorial Hospital was on the oncological floor. No stay at the hospital is fun, but its harder on this floor, There are no plants or flowers allowed so there's definitely a lack of color and beauty.  My stay was only a week, but a couple days after I arrived something magical happened. A woman came to my bedside and said she had a present for me.

When I asked her what she meant she explained that she was from Operation Bling and told me I cold pick out any piece of jewelry I liked. She then opened large jewelry cases with rings, bracelets and necklaces. I was shocked and so excited; everything she had was so sparkly and beautiful. I picked a ring with a lot of bling. I was actually smiling even though I was at the hospital. She brought a smile to my face, hugged me and told me to enjoy because I deserved it. I asked more about Operation Bling and she told me the story. I am touched by the dedication and generosity of the Ferdinands. My friend and I went to their jewelry store and visited them. I told them how happy they made me.  I slept every night with my ring on and every morning I woke up I looked at the sparkle of my bling ring and smiled. I can't thank them enough, and want to spread the word of Operation Bling. To help, my friend and I are going to have a bling party so that even more people may help in this rewarding cause. I can’t wait to help expand Operation Bling and spread the much needed smiles to as many patients as possible. Chris and Bill- I've been blinged and feel blessed
too!!!!!

All my love
Elisa Stefanski
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Terry
Bill and I went and visited a customer at her home yesterday and Blinged her.....it was the most amazing fun visit ever......words can't really describe it......Terry has brain cancer.....the last of many sorts of cancers that she has battled and warded off.....this time....not so much winning the battle is going on.....she called me yesterday at our store and asked us to come over......bald and bed-ridden, hospice, hospital bed, round the clock nursing, grown children and grandchildren surrounding her......it was a house filled with love and laughter!....She hugged and kissed us with so much love.....She and her husband have been married 57 years. He is such a good soul.....and we got to be a part of it.....and so did Bling!! She was so funny.....what a delightful visit....her eyes twinkled with so much merriment when she spoke of how she met her husband and how gorgeous he was! ....what a good life she has had....five children in seven years!!...seen the world....a long and loving marriage that was very full! For me, she kept calling me Chrisy....no one has done that since my own Mom who passed away in 1991. Terry didn't know that about my name....such a visit filled with love! Terry did tell me that she had all of her jewelry put into their safety deposit box because the house is filled with so many people coming and going to take care of her...She told me she now understood why our friend (Barbara) said she had missed her Bling.....because she now did too!!!...We left her all be-jeweled and blinged......and she couldn't have been more pleased!!! She picked a stunning sapphire and diamond looking ring. I put a diamond looking bracelet onto her wrist too. I had already sent home a pair of stud earrings once with her husband for her which she had on. She then picked up a petite diamond looking ring that reminded her of a ring that her husband gave her many years ago and no longer had. She had such a starry eyed look about her as she recalled those past times when she had received that ring....I took that ring and put it onto her finger too! Bling is truly blessing Bill and me!
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JG

I am so thrilled with my wonderful new Bling and all it represents...What a wonderful, healing concept and the presentation and packagin are perfect! This is perhaps the most meaningful gift of my life! I will wear it every day. You've made me very happy!

with love

JG
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Helen
Dear Chris:

I believe "Operation Bling Foundation" will be a lifeline for many women! Your desire to bring happiness to those suffering is truly a witness of God's love. You were raised by a woman who loved deeply and her favorite statement was the only question God will ask of us when we enter into the next world is: "How have you loved" Your Operation Bling Foundation is loving those who are in pain.

I am a recipient of your "love" and Operation Bling Foundation and my ear rings bring a smile to my face each time I wear them. How many others are experiencing the same inner joy - too numerous to count I am sure.
Your generous foundation was founded on bringing joy to others and letting them know they are loved and not alone in their journey with cancer.

I hope and pray that "Operation Bling Foundation" will someday be all over the United States - and with your desire to love others I am confident this will happen. I am a recipient and also a donor to your foundation.

It is a "joy" to encourage others to donate and spread Operation Bling Foundation to our entire State of New Jersey and to our country.

May the Spirit of Love continue through your efforts of building your Operation Bling Foundation.

Love and blessings always,

Helen H. Bolil
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Christine Ferdinand

I was asked to bring “Bling Gifts” to showcase Operation Bling Foundation at the ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for the new Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Hospital one Saturday this past Fall. Later on in the morning the oncologist Dr. Stanzione comes up to me and pulls out his patient list out of his pocket. He proceeds to tell me that he had a patient who would be a great candidate for being “Blinged” and how would he go about arranging that? I say….well; you can do it now if you like! I knew all of the nurses around me all had posts at this open house so I didn’t want to ask them so I just told him that he could do it! He looked at me a little puzzled and then asked how he would pick what to bring to her. I told him he would bring all three boxes…..filled with rings, earrings, and pendants….and the patient gets to pick….Oh, he says…then he asks me if I could come back on Tuesday and do it and if that was not too much trouble. I asked him if he wanted me to come with him right then and we can “bling” his patient together! Oh, did Dr. Stanzione light up! He turned to his wife, Kathy, who is an absolute sweetheart too, and asked her if she wanted to come with us to “bling” a patient!!! Off the three of us went…Dr. Stanzione practically running through the hallways carrying three black cases filled with “Bling Gifts” ….and his wife and me trailing behind him trying to keep up with him….down the halls, up and down the staircases….and I am NOT old…okay, I am 50!...BUT, I can run!!! ….and run we had to do to keep up with him!!! He was so excited…it was a pleasure to watch him!!!

We enter Rita’s room….she was sitting in the chair …she had the typical hospital gown on with her shoulders hanging out…she had IVs in both arms and bags and bags hanging off of poles…Dr. Stanzione announces to her that we have a gift for her from Operation Bling! He is so excited and says to me…..oh, you better explain it….I tell her about us….I go and wash my hands….I come back into the room and Dr. Stanzione is sitting on her bed with all of the boxes open helping Rita choose a “Bling Gift” and he is clearly having a lot of fun with it!!! ….then he asks me to help her figure out which finger size ring would work for her. I crouch down in front of her and he is on the bed next to me and she is still in her chair…Rita, the recipient, says. I choose this one….I want this one…she picked a triple row, channel set ring, alternating with pink and white CZs…she puts it on her finger dreamily and announces that she had been looking for a pinky ring just like this one and hadn’t found one yet…and that this one is exactly what she had been wanting!! Dr. Stanzione announces to her….Wait until you see the packaging!!! So I take the ring off of her finger and place it in the Lucite crystal box and into the white organza pouch! I explain the laminated Bling Card with the inspirational poem, our logo, and contact information. I ask her too if she would like to be on our prayer list and about how I actually need permission from the patients for that….she says yes and that she can use all of the prayers that she can get! She puts the ring back on her finger and is filled with smiles!!!

What I had not noticed in our flurry to keep up with Dr. Stanzione was that Janina Hecht, the hospital’s PR person and her photographer had also trailed us….I had not even noticed because I was so busy trying to keep up with Dr. Stanzione…I have no idea how they even noticed that we had left the gathering let alone kept up with us!!! They asked for a photo op and Rita at first said no, that she looked like a witch! After being “Blinged”, they asked her again. Rita asked me what I thought and how did she look. I fixed her hospital gown so her shoulders were not hanging out and told her honestly that I thought she looked beautiful!!! Honestly, I swear to God that Rita’s color had changed from the time when we had first come into her room to after her whole being “Blinged” experience! She was rosy and smiled and sparkle-y in her eyes!!! It really was amazing to me….one couldn’t not notice the change! So we had a fun photo op with her…..Dr. Stanzione with his cute bow tie and Rita!!! It was great! Dr. Stanzione was so excited when we left her room! A truly heartwarming experience was had by all!!
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Lynn
Hi Chris,

I'm loving my "Bling Gift"! I haven't taken it off my finger since you gave it me. I'm happy in the knowledge there are "Angels" like you and others who care about those of us who just want to survive to enjoy the kindness of others.

Thanks for passing on the info from Barbara about the HealthWell Foundation. It's worth a try, I'm willing to look for help anywhere it can be found. I will keep Barb on my prayer list too, it's through prayer I honestly feel I am still around. Each day, I ask the Lord not only to keep me and other cancer patients in his care, I also ask him to care and watch over my doctors. They need his guidance to make the right decisions regarding my care. I've added you and Bill too for your generosity and great heart.

On a another positive note, Friday evening I was out with three other cancer survivors I met while undergoing radiation. Two are women, one with breast cancer, one with brain and a gentleman with prostate cancer. When they saw my bling they were so crazy for it they've given me money to pick them out four pieces. One of the husbands is paying for a piece for his daughter who had a tumor on her kidney.

I'm happy they've trusted me to pick their items for them...they want to wear their "Bling" when they go on their vacations to Boca next week. I'll be in sometime this week; I'm looking forward to doing this for them plus passing the word around about the foundation.

They are thrilled with your concept of how one little piece of sparkling sunshine can turn a sad day into a day of hope, love and kindness. Thank you Chris for all you're doing for cancer patients.

Love,
Lynn Smith

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Dana
Hi Chris,
I met you at the Acme today in the check out line. I wanted to quickly let you know that what you are accomplishing with Operation Bling is nothing short of amazing, and most certainly inspiring! Cancer hits close to home for so many people, but organizations like yours bring hope and smiles to those affected. I am excited to pass your website along to my cousin Patty who is being treated for breast cancer, and I just wanted to thank you for taking such a wonderful idea and making it a reality for so many deserving people. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving! :-)
Sincerely,
 
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Maryann
Operation Bling entered my life after a family friend lost a loved one to cancer. We made the appropriate donations to the very worthy research foundations, but a few months later, I still felt a desire to express our family’s love and concern in a more personal way. Flowers? A dedication of some sort? I felt indifferent about most of the things I came up with, yet hopeful that I would find just the right thing. But what? It was at this very point in time that I went into Ferdinand Jewelers to pick up an order. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I saw the lovely display of beautiful, contemporary pieces and inquired about them. Chris was more than happy to share her vision for this project and just what Operation Bling was about. Ingenious idea! Surely Heaven-sent!

After much deliberating, I chose a beautiful cross and as it was wrapped, I felt unsure as to whether or not I should include any reference to the cause for the recipient. This family had been through enough…did they need another reminder? The jewelry in itself would be blessing enough, I was sure, and knowing I was contributing to a worthy cause made me feel good about this purchase. At the last moment, I decided to include the tasteful Operation Bling card that explained how proceeds would be used.

With some uncertainty, I dropped the pretty bag off on the family’s doorstep with the mother’s name on the included card. I did not know her well, although she was the sweetest person, someone I knew I would love to have the opportunity to know better. As it turned out, this small gesture touched her heart and we have now become very good friends. She has worn her cross every time I have seen her and she says with a smile that she “loves it”. This sweet gift has been able to express to her my care and concern for her and that of her family in a way words could not. Thanks to Operation Bling, I have had the privilege of helping to bring a smile to the faces of cancer patients, as well as those who love them!
 
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Meg
“Two of our Bling Angels made a house call to Pat this past June, who just came out of cancer-related surgery, to deliver a Bling Gift. During the winter months of Pat’s battle, she removed a glove and lost her three-stone dinner ring. Operation Bling Foundation gave the Angels a random assortment of gifts for Pat to choose from, not sure of her style. The very first box she opened happened to be a three-stone dinner ring that looked exactly like the one she had lost months before. There are other Angels at work it seems.” - Meg, Bling Angel
 
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Kathy
“Three years ago the news spread through the school system where I work that the younger sister (R.) of one of my students had been diagnosed with leukemia. R. was in second grade at the time. Fund raisers were held, the school and the community rallied around the family. I had the pleasure of having R. in my class this year during her third year of treatment. What a trooper! It was during the school year that my own sister was inspired to start the Operation Bling Foundation. I asked R. what she thought of the idea of giving sparkling jewels to women and girls being treated for cancer. She told me she had been given a Teddy bear during her stays and very much liked the idea of jewels. I consulted with her a few more times as we got ready to start our mission. As the school year came to an end Operation Bling was ready to start the giving of gifts. R. was presented with one of our first, a butterfly necklace. The butterfly is the symbol of hope. At our school we have a national award winning butterfly garden that was started to honor one of our teachers who lost her battle with breast cancer. R. wore her necklace to school with a big smile, how beautiful she looked.” - Kathy, Bling Angel
 
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Michele, the patient liaison on the oncology floor at Morristown Memorial Hospital....
Hello Christine,
Well, today was the first official "Bling" day here on Franklin 4. Meg, your intern came in for a while to accompany me and explain why and how Operation Bling started.
 
We truly graced so many women with beautiful jewelry. The outpouring of gratification was remarkable. One patient even said that she was having such a horrible day and that this was such an unbelievable gesture and immediately smiled and felt so much better. She immediately put the necklace that she had chosen on!
 
This was so great for us too, to see these ladies smile! We laughed and joked around about the size of the stones that you would have never known these patients were ill. I am so excited about this project and hope that you continue to receive donations so that we can carry out this project forever!
 
Thanks again for what you have done!
Michele
 
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Patty, a patient at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ....
Dear Christine,
My name is Patty and I am a cancer patient being treated at Overlook Hospital on the 3rd floor. Recently I was presented a beautiful ring from your Operation Bling Foundation by RN Kathy >.
 
I can't express how uplifiting it was to receive this ring and be able to wear it, not only in the hospital, but all the time. Due to the amount of steroids I receive during my chemo treatments my fingers have swollen so none of my other rings fit any longer. It makes me feel so good to be able to wear a ring again.
 
It is special people like you that truly make a difference in a person's life, even if you have never met them. You have touched my life and I am truly grateful. Thank you for your generosity.
 
Sincerely,
Patty
 
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Megan
I met Mrs. H. my freshman year of high school… she was always a fun, caring, and loving teacher. I then took journalism in my senior year, just so I could have her one more time before I graduated.  We kept in touch after I graduated, and still do… it’s been 14 years now since I met this amazing woman. 

On February 1, 2008 I received the news that Mrs. H. had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I cried when I first got the news because she is one of those ladies that is nice to everyone she meets and is just a really neat person.  She went through a round a chemo, but it didn’t do enough. She then had a mastectomy. She’s now in another round of chemo.

While all of this was happening Operation Bling was being formed. I gave Mrs. H’s name and some back ground information to my aunt and founder of Operation Bling, Christine Ferdinand, and we decided that Mrs. H. needed some “BLING” to help through all of these treatments.  A pink heart with a smaller heart inside it was sent to her along with all of the information. The response I received was: “Made me cry today you silly special girl friend forever and ever.” This of course made me cry, because I was so glad I could help in some way from so far away (she’s in TX).  She hopes that one day she’ll be able to give back to Operation Bling in some way.
 
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