Breast cancer survivor Applegate designs for the cause

Breast cancer awareness month kicks off today, and for jewelry lovers looking to give back, there's no shortage of ways to do so (click here to jump to NationalJeweler.com for a story about timepiece and jewelry designers supporting breast cancer awareness and research).

This week, I found out about a new jewelry piece co-designed by a star that has a very personal connection to the cause. Actress Christina Applegate, a breast cancer survivor who underwent a double masectomy last year, has partnered with Alex Woo on a "tree of life" pendant to benefit Applegate's nonprofit foundation Right Action for Women. 

For Woo, the creation of the pendant--which features a tree and branches meant to evoke the feminine curves of a woman and signify balance, peace and harmony--was a personal undertaking as well, as the designer's mother passed away after battling breast cancer.

The designer will donate net proceeds from the pendant, which will retail for $198 in silver and $998 in 14-karat yellow gold, and the funds will be used to support Right Action for Women, the foundation Applegate founded in 2008 after receiving her breast cancer diagnosis.

The nonprofit's mission is to educate women about what it means to be at "high risk" for breast cancer and encourage them to talk to their doctors about appropriate screenings.

In addition to its advocacy efforts, the nonprofit also provides aid to individuals who are at increased risk for breast cancer and do not have the insurance or financial flexibility to cover the costs associated with breast screenings.

For more on Right Action for Women, visit RightActionforWomen.org. To purchase the pendant, visit AlexWoo.com.