Lemont Business Owner Provides Breast Cancer Support Through Bracelets

LEMONT, IL — Lemont business owners Dawn and Paige Schwartz are the mother-daughter duo who run three boutiques, 1 Happy Girl. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Dawn and Paige support the cause by making bracelets with inspiring messages engraved on them.

Dawn Schwartz, who underwent breast surgery in 2015 at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, now provides strength, hope and support to other breast cancer patients. According to a release, after recovering from breast surgery in September of 2015, Dawn and her daughter decided they wanted to find a way to give something meaningful to patients.

“I remember how even the smallest things could mean so much to me,” Dawn said in a release. “I wanted to find a way to give someone the same support and strength that I had felt during my journey.”

As a result, they decided to launch a special bracelet in their stores. When a customer purchases one of these bracelets, they are asked to sign their name to an inspiring note. This note is then attached to a bracelet that is given to a patient at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

According to the release, every year, Dawn and Paige try to beat their goal of bracelet donations. In 2015 alone, they donated more than 350 bracelets to patients. They’re hoping to donate 500 necklaces this year.

“It’s heartwarming to see women come into our store and tell us how much the bracelet means to them,” Dawn said in a release. “It’s inspiring to also see the amount of kindness that customers have for people they’ve never even met before.”

This year, Dawn and Paige have decided to launch a new necklace for patients instead of the bracelets. The necklace will feature a peace sign design. According to the release, 10 percent of all items purchased during the benefit will go towards purchasing more necklaces for patients. All customers will also be entered in a raffle to win prizes from local restaurants and businesses.

The Lemont location is located at 314 Canal St.

Photos provided.