BLISS is a campaign designed to recognize beautiful souls, while focusing on cancer awareness. It was also developed to assist in the fundraising efforts for foundations and/or organizations while giving people the opportunity to “pay it forward”.
For every BLISS bracelet sold, a package is created on the purchasers’ behalf to be given to a beautiful soul affected by cancer. These packages include: an embellished hat or scarf, lip-gloss, bracelet, “ways to wear” guide, inspirational greeting & quote cards.
The passion behind the campaign comes from the strong belief that a person stands taller, walks prouder and feels better when they believe in their beauty. The goal is to pass the message that emotional healthcare and awareness is as important as physical. We need to take care of the whole person, not just the disease or illness. As the founder of BLISS, I was personally affected by this when my mother passed away 27 years ago from colon cancer. Today, depending on detection and type, there is still no solid “fail-proof” cure for cancer. That said, what we can confidently do is support the affected person’s emotional well-being, by sharing thoughts, prayers and anonymous gifts. BLISS passes a bit of all three of these.
BLISS is a way for not only the recipient of the packages to be recognized, but a way for the purchaser to have an opportunity to impact a beautiful soul in greater ways than they may ever know.
BLISS is meant to open the hearts and minds of both the purchaser of the BLISS bracelet, who spreads BLISS and the recipient of the packages, who defines BLISS. BLISS does not take away the importance of funding for research or early detection; rather it was developed to be another outlet to enhance awareness and all that comes from “paying it forward.”
BLISS focuses on thought, emotion, recognition and kindness during a time where everything seems to be a bit out of control. Since BLISS is a campaign to recognize all individuals affected by cancer, recipients are not only patients – they are also loved-ones and caregivers. BLISS passionately does not label the recipients as cancer patients or survivors, rather as deserving beautiful souls; those who define BLISS. It is not the patient alone who is challenged by the effects of cancer, but all those who surround the patients are impacted and could use recognition as well. We all know how the domino effect is created with paying it forward. Kindness is contagious. Just imagine impacting a deserving soul to smile brighter, hold onto their happiness a while longer, seek faith a bit stronger or feel peace a little greater; you may never know who in turn is effected by them… it’s powerful, it’s inspiring, it is contagious.
This campaign is also designed to give organizations the opportunity to fundraise and gain recognition in their quest to spread BLISS by hosting a “BLISS drive”. When companies host, they are given the opportunity to sell the bracelets for any amount above $45. Thus, anything over the $45 cost goes directly back to the foundation/non-profit organization of their choice that is in support. For example, a local business hosted a "BLISS drive", where we sold the bracelets for $50, rather than $45, so $5 of every sale went back to the foundation of their choice and they also had 90 BLISS packages to deliver to the hospital of their choice on behalf of the company… it was an incredible way to impact so very many with both the financial & tangible gifts.
Throughout the past year, BLISS has been passed through our local Children’s Hospital of the Fox Valley, the Miss Wisconsin Organization, ThedaCare, Affinity Medical Group and local High Schools. In addition, local businesses have partnered with the campaign to raise awareness for cancer while raising funds for their foundations and we are moving forward into local Universities to spread the message. BLISS has given countless individuals the opportunity to see first-hand how incredibly powerful the beauty is in JOYfilled giving.
One cancer survivor, beautiful soul & BLISS recipient stated, “The gift that I received was different & came at the perfect time. It was something I could touch & hold onto. It was a reminder of living beautifully. It finds me comfort & passes inspiration every time I wear it. I’m grateful. Thanks!”