Honor your loved one’s courage and perseverance while facing retinoblastoma by wearing a beautiful representation of their eye. Retinoblastoma is a pediatric eye cancer affecting around 300 children per year in the United States, and 9,000 worldwide. While cure is above 96% in the USA, global survival is less than 30%, and most children who survive lose some or all vision in one or both eyes.
In celebration of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 50% of proceeds from the sale of all custom Ana Katarina Design Eye Love pieces throughout August and September 2023 will help WE C Hope USA raise awareness of retinoblastoma, and support the One Rb World 2024 conference.
The most common early signs of retinoblastoma are a squint (turned eye) and a white glow, often described by parents as a “diamond glint” or “pearly glow” in the eye, seen in dim light of flash photographs. Early diagnosis is a child’s best chance of cure with vision-saving therapy, and parent and primary health-worker awareness of these signs is key to early diagnosis.
Awareness is a regular feature of the program at One Retinoblastoma World, a global conference founded by WE C Hope in 2012 to address major challenges to retinoblastoma care and cure worldwide. The event unites medical professionals, parents, survivors, researchers, and advocates to advance patient-centered research and care.
Design Inspiration
The Eye Love Collection is a modern-day token of eternal love. Worn as a lover’s or third eye, any piece in this collection can be customized in the image of your loved one’s eye, including children, friends, parents, or even your own eye.
How the Process Works
To create your Eye Love piece:
Select a few portrait photos. Ana Katarina will review the pictures to help you choose the best photo from which your eye sketch is created. When reading more about the Eye Love jewelry, you may see that historically the left eye has been used for these pieces. You are welcome to select either a right or left eye based on personal preference.
Once you approve the rendering, the cameo is carved in blue agate by a master gem carver, using centuries-old techniques. Each eye cameo is made from different tones of blue, grey, and black, formed by the depth of the carving. After the carving, the eye is set into your design choice.
The Eye Love collection can be made into a necklace, ring, or charm with optional added jewels.
To order, please email: katarina@anakatarina.com
All orders must be received by the end of September 2023.