When Jennifer Graziano, a 4th generation, Westchester funeral director and bereavement specialist, lost her mother, Ann Marie Graziano, to a rare form of cancer, she refused to succumb to grief. Rather, she was determined to create a way to remember and honor the selfless, charitable caretaker whose light always shone brightly and could never be truly extinguished. She also wanted to contribute to finding a cure and recognized Swim Across America’s valiant efforts to advance cancer research.
Inspired by the image of the sunrise, which represents, hope, renewal and the promise of a new day, Ms. Graziano designed the Sunrise Pendant, a memorable item that offers comfort to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one due to cancer.
. This unique piece, made of fire opal and pave’ diamonds, is part of Ms. Graziano’s collection, RememBar, which includes fine jewelry pieces designed to commemorate those who have been loved and lost.
“Sunrise represents hope and renewal, and with each sunrise lies the promise of a new day,” says Ms. Graziano. “It is my hope that this beautiful piece will inspire those who wear it to hold on to hope.”
A portion of every sale of the Sunrise Pendant will be donated to Swim Across America-Long Island Sound whose mission is to raise critical funds for cutting-edge cancer research, prevention and treatment.
“The Sunrise Pendant is a beautiful symbol of hope for those who have lost family and friends to cancer, as well as to those currently battling cancer,” says Tony Sibio, executive director of Swim Across America-Long Island Sound. “The funds raised as a result of pendant sales will go towards vital research that will help eradicate cancer, so no one will ever again be lost to the disease.”
In addition to selling the Sunrise Pendant, Ms. Graziano is forming Team Sunrise in memory of her mother, which will complete a Swim Across America-Long Island Sound challenge prior to the organization’s 29th annual Long Island Sound Open Water Swim on July 31. The team will paddle board in the Sound to raise money to make waves against cancer.
“The Sunrise Pendant reminds us that even in the darkest nights, the sun will rise again,” says Ms. Graziano. “We hope that together with Swim Across America-Long Island Sound we can make a lasting, positive difference for those affected by cancer.”
Those interested in purchasing a Sunrise Pendant can place orders at www.remembarcollection.com.
About Swim Across America
Swim Across America, Inc. was founded in 1987 and has raised over $100 million for cancer research and prevention programs at the country’s finest hospitals and managed-care facilities. Since Swim Across America’s inception, it has grown from having a single event in Nantucket, MA, to 22 open water benefit swims across the country.
The Long Island Sound chapter was started in 1992 and has grown to be the largest in the organization, having raised over $20 million since its inception.
For more information about Swim Across America Long Island Chapter, please call 914-769-8411 or visit www.swimacrossamerica.org/long_island.
