Award-winning gem cutter Lisa Elser is giving back to the Vancouver clinic that helped save her husband’s life.
“When Tom was being treated for cancer in 2014, he developed an extensive thromboembolism, stretching from his hip to his knee,” she tells Jewellery Business. “We realized how deadly this is and how unaware we had been of the danger. The Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) Thrombosis Clinic took outstanding care of us and Tom’s deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is completely gone. We’re so grateful for the care he got.”
To show their gratitude, the couple is donating an 18-karat gold and diamond pendant, featuring a 14.15-carat Nigerian tourmaline cut by Elser, with a silver and 18-karat gold chain. Designed and created by Vancouver goldsmith Kristen Jones, the piece will be auctioned off at VGH’s Night of a Thousand Stars Gala on Nov. 7. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from the auction of this pendant will go to the thrombosis clinic.
“I am thrilled Lisa and Tom are supporting our work in the Thrombosis Clinic with this amazing gift.” said Dr. Agnes Y. Y. Lee, medical director of the thrombosis program at VGH.
“It will help us serve our patients better by improving our resources for delivering patient care, enhancing education, and participating in research.”
Affecting many Canadians, thrombosis—or blood clots—can be life-threatening. About one in every 200 cancer patients will suffer from condition. The Thrombosis Clinic comprises hematologists and support staff who provide patient-centred care to people with venous thromboembolism, as well as conducting research and offering patient education.
For more information, visit http://thrombosisbc.ca/index.html. Click here for details on the gala.
