Breast Cancer "Hope" Lalli
Many different faces, same disease...same fight During the summer of 2002, my sister and I each discovered a breast lump. Quite a scary feeling, one that I've become a close friend to, of late. A biopsy revealed mine to be benign and hers to be malignant. This would be her second 'bout with breast cancer. This is when the "Hope" Lalli was born. My copyrighted line of dolls, "Lallipops", have been in existence since 1999 but the "Hope Lalli" comfort doll was made specifically to be clutched and cuddled after the initial diagnosis and during the most trying of times. My sister, Chez Chapman, was the first to receive the "Hope Lalli".
Chez Chapman November 5, 1962-February 5, 2006 Chez handed over her "Hope Lalli" in 2006 leaving the rest of us to carry it forward to a cure....
The wear and tear of the doll will remind the 'survivor' of their struggles and successes during their battle with breast cancer. It will encourage them to celebrate life one day at a time. It will be there when that first lock of hair is lost, when loneliness and uncertainty creeps in and when the courageous 'survivor' wonders "Why me?". 'Hope Lalli' will eagerly absorb every tear that falls. One look into "Hope's" beautiful eyes will remind that survivor that they are loved by many and that the fight needs to continue for themselves as well as others yet to be diagnosed. After the battle has been fought and won, the doll is to be passed on to a loved one or friend who needs to be reminded of that survivor's strength to, in some way, provide the same for them.
The "Hope Lallipop" makes a great gift because it is designed with the 'survivor' in mind. Each one is customized;designed especially for the recipient and to resemble the recipient. You decide on the skin color, hair color (if any), the eye color and the special message that will be featured on the lollipop. The beaded headband represents "Hope's" angelic halo of guardianship. The Lallipops emphasize the belief that the eyes are the window to the soul by being the only facial feature other than requested markings ( freckles, birthmarks, etcetera). The eyes are the only part of the physical body that remains the same in shape and size from birth to death. The final touch to this beautiful, one-of-a-kind masterpiece is the adding of the recipient's name. There's no better way to say I love you, I support you and I want you to beat this illness than with a "Hope Lalli".
Did you know?
Each "Hope Lalli" is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity which includes the date of diagnosis, a customized wrist band on the arm of "Hope", a journal, a model lollipop inscribed with a special message from the purchaser, and a personalized card from "Hope". Card available in English and Spanish. Journal may differ from one advertised.
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