Reveal and Give-A-Way - 7,000 Bracelets of Hope Hop

 Blog Hop, sponsored by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things.

I've teamed up with Lori again for another fabulous idea to support the Global Genes Project that promotes awareness for rare diseases.   There are over 7,000 identified rare diseases in the world - all with their own issues.  Lori lives with a rare disease, so it is only obvious why she is so passionate about this project.  Runako Designs is supporting the project because we care about Lori, we are supporters of positive changes in the world, and we live to help others.  The goal is to be able to gift 7,000 bracelets this Christmas (2011) to families living with rare diseases, and at the end of this post I will reveal to you my contribution, followed by a chance for you to win your own special bracelet and a link to 112 other bracelets being revealed today!! 

When I learned of this hop, I immediately thought about a young girl that I met while participating in a disabilities expo several years ago.  Her family stopped at my booth and were immediately drawn to a holiday angel earring that I had made. 

It was during this expo that I learned of the Angelman Syndrome.  Angelman Syndrome is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 15. Characteristics of this disease is very little speech (almost absent), developmental delays and frequent facial reactions.  The most noticeable characteristic of this disease; however, is what appears to be frequent smiling and and outbursts of laughter...making them appear happy most of the time.  

What really touched my heart this day, was when her father was considering purchasing a bicycle developed for parents with children with disabilities. They had never seen anything like this before, and neither had I.  From our conversation, what I learned about this young girl, is that she LOVED to have the wind blow in her face and boy did she enjoy that bike ride around the expo with her father!!  It was such a delight to watch her laughing and enjoying the breeze!  Without a second thought I gifted her mother with a pair of the angel earrings. 

After reading Lori's invitation to participate in this party, I found myself again, without a second thought, signing up to help in this worthy cause to promote awareness.

Here is my contribution to the Global Genes Project and all of the families who are living with a rare disease. I started out with many ideas, but decided to keep the design simple enough for anyone to wear everyday, as I have no idea who will be receiving it. 

The picture doesn't do justice in capturing the grey in these beautiful
metallic blue crystals. I was trying to capture the colors of the campaign. 

If you want to learn more about the Global Genes Project and Bracelets for Hope, and how you can contribute, visit their website here.  It's not too late, you have until December. Read on to learn about the give away or click here to go to the list of other bracelets.   

Give-A-Away Opportunity!

Now, if you'd like the opportunity to win your own special bracelet, (a duplicate of the above) here's what you need to do for your chance to win.  Promote the Global Genes Project and the 7,000 Bracelets of Hope by April 24th.   

1.  If you are participating in Lori's Blog Hop, you're name will automatically be entered twice, if you leave a comment here.   

2.  If you tweet about this post with a link on twitter you'll get an extra entry or your first entry.  Make sure you @runakodesigns, so I'll see it and leave a comment here.  

3.  If you're not participating in the party today, but want to show your support, blog about the Global Genes Project in general, linking to their website, AND linking to Lori Anderson for sponsoring this hop and bringing it to our attention, come back here and leave me the link to your post, and you'll get 2 entries.  Use this link for Lori :  (http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2011/04/bracelet-blog-hop-7000-bracelets-of.html)

4.  If you follow my fan page on Facebook, you'll receive two extra entries. Leave me a comment with who you are, so I'll know to add your entries.  

You DO NOT have to leave a comment for each thing that you do, just make sure that in your comments I know what you did and where to find it, so that you can receive credit.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks in advance for supporting Lori's efforts and the Global Genes Project!

FINALLY: Please don't forget to check out the other bracelets posted around the blogospherE today, you can click the link below to go straight to the list on Lori's site. Scroll through the post to get to the link list at the bottom. 

Blog Hop List

Unveiling awareness,