THE HOPE ROPE – A TALISMAN IN TIMES OF CHALLENGE     Balance Centre is proud to provide this page to help support Janet Burn to bring to you The Hope Rope.       What do you do when a dear friend is diagnosed with cancer?  What can you give her that will support her and serve as a reminder of your love?  These are the questions that faced Canadian jewelry designer Cat Wheeler when her friend Lucy’s cancer metastasized.     Flowers last only a few days.  Cat wanted to give Lucy a meaningful gift that would endure and inspire her during her battle with the disease.  The result was the Hope Rope, a delicate string of gemstone beads chosen for their healing properties.  It is designed to be tied around the neck, twisted around the wrist or hung on the chemotherapy machine during treatments.  A beautiful and tangible object that is easy to wear and hold, this sensitive gift becomes an icon on a woman’s journey to healing.     Drawing on her experience as a gemologist and Reiki Master, Catherine Wheeler selected rose quartz for emotional balance and healing, garnets for grounding and protection and pearls to symbolize the feminine.  Together, these stones bring comfort in a time of challenge. Each rope is lovingly hand-crafted from carefully selected gems by Canadian breast cancer survivor,  Janet Burn.     Today the Hope Rope is bringing comfort to friends in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Indonesia. A portion of sales is donated to local breast cancer support and awareness ( Ottawa  Breast Cancer Action or London  Wellspring ). You can view the Hope Rope in London, Ontario at The Lotus Centre or The Village and in Ottawa at Samadhi Studio. Price: $25.00 ($30.00 including postage) Contact: Janet Burn,  janet.burn@sympatico.ca or 613-526-6072