Butterfly Designs

New Butterfly Pendants by RubyFruit Designs!

Butterfly Pendants     Butterfly Memo Clip Quantities are Limited!!

 

Meet the Butterfly

Many people have little or no idea where the Thyroid Gland is, much less what its function is in the human body. Late in 2002, Lara learned the hard way, when she was diagnosed with an Autoimmune Disease called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Her immune system had begun to attack and destroy her own thyroid, a gland which is essential for life. In 2003, she flew to Seattle, from Guam, and underwent a biopsy, the results of which required surgery and a total Thyroidectomy. After surgery it was discovered that she also had a type of Thyroid Cancer called Papillary Carcinoma. While her prognosis is very good, the experience had a profound effect on her, her family and friends. This experience led her to learn as much about the Thyroid, the Endocrine System and her cancer as possible. She also became very vocal and proactive as a patient, as well as joining a local group in Seattle that helps support and advocate for the rights of other patients living with all types of Thyroid Disease including ThyCa (thyroid cancer).

The Thyroid Gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located at the base of the throat, wrapped delicately around the esophagus and the nerves that control the vocal chords. This gland is one of the “master” glands in the human body and commands most of it’s hormonal functions, controlling our metabolism, mood hormones, sex hormones, adrenals and so much more. The Thyroid answers only to chemical signals sent from the Pituitary and Hypothalamus in the brain. If something alters the function of the Thyroid it can disrupt a person’s entire life, affecting everything from their appetite and weight, to their sleep patterns, and almost all other aspects of their health. Thyroid Disease affects an estimated 27 million Americans, half of whom haven’t even been diagnosed yet. It is often overlooked, under-treated and very misunderstood...accidentally diagnosed as any number of other problems, even Clinical Depression, all missing the root cause. Women are seven times more likely to develop a Thyroid Disease than men, but anyone can develop it, especially if there is a family history of it or any other types of Autoimmune conditions. Thyroid Cancers are now one of the fastest growing types of fatal cancers among men and one of the fastest growing cancers, overall, among women. Early detection often means a better outcome, possibly an easier surgery/recovery and a better prognosis for the patient. In fact, most Thyroid Cancers can be treated and cured with surgery and a dose of Radioactive Iodine (RAI). In Lara’s case, early detection not only saved her vocal chords, it saved her life!

Lara takes replacement hormone everyday, and will for the rest of her life, now that she no longer has her thyroid gland. Her cancer is in remission and her scar is fading, but the scar will always be a reminder of her experience. It is for this reason that you will often spot her wearing a silver Butterfly Necklace, to represent the gland that controls so much, that caused her such troubles, and taught her such a valuable lesson. While her former college professor might cringe at the actual prospect, Lara is now proud to introduce you to the Butterfly Designs catalog. This section of www.shopRubyFruit.com will be dedicated exclusively to jewelry, art work and objects that are inspired by the butterfly. All of the proceeds from sales (after cost) of the items in this section will go to several organizations that are working to make a difference in the lives of Thyroid patients. These groups include the Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s Association and The Light of Life Foundation. Feel free to browse the catalog and be sure to visit some of these organizations via our Links section. And if you have a butterfly of your own, that you would like Lara to incorporate into a piece for you, feel free to contact the artist directly.

Thanks again for visiting and be well!

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