West Hartford's Armeny Custom Jewelry partners with Ron Foley Foundation to create jewelry line

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - April 5, 2016 - PRLog -- Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in our country, with the worst survival rate of all cancers. It strikes women and men in nearly equal numbers, and tragically, barely six percent of those diagnosed survive more than five years. While death rates from most major cancers are decreasing, pancreatic cancer mortality continues to increase year by year.

In spite of these startling statistics, national pancreatic cancer research funding is minimal, and this puts a greater burden on small, localized charitable organizations to help fill in the gaps. With this in mind, West Hartford jewelry designer Armen Manukyan, owner of Armeny Custom Jewelry Design, has partnered with the Ron Foley Foundation to assist them in their efforts to raise awareness and funding to fight the disease.

Manukyan, who owned a jewelry fabrication facility and was an engineer by trade in his native Armenia, now uses his skills and unique expertise in the design and repair of jewelry. For the Ron Foley Foundation, he has created a line of jewelry including stackable rings, pendants, and earrings featuring the foundation's horse logo. The pieces, available for sale in the Armeny store as well as at fundraising events, are crafted from sterling silver with rhodium plating and set with natural amethysts (because purple is the signature color for pancreatic cancer awareness). As with all his custom jewelry designs, Manukyan can incorporate other metals or gemstones upon request.

"When I met Barbara Foley and learned about the work she is doing to honor her late husband, I wanted to find a way to help out," said Manukyan. "I felt inspired to create this custom jewelry, and I'm glad we are able to use it to raise money for such an important cause."

Mrs. Foley concurred. "We always want to offer unusual and valuable items in our fundraisers, and this jewelry is a wonderful addition. I'm so moved by Armen's effort on our behalf, and I know this is going to help raise awareness of the Ron Foley Foundation and our urgent needs as we fight pancreatic cancer."

These unique pieces of jewelry will also be available for auction at foundation's largest annual fundraiser, coming up on Saturday, May 7, at Folly Farms in Simsbury. "Ron's Run for the Roses" is a Kentucky Derby Day gala that raises awareness and funding not only for pancreatic cancer research, but also patient care. West Hartford native Ron Foley was a respected business leader who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2005, shortly after he retired from The Travelers Insurance Company. The foundation that now bears his name is on a mission to promote public awareness of pancreatic cancer, give direct financial aid to pancreatic cancer patients, and increase medical funding in search of more effective treatment and an eventual cure. This will be their eighth annual Kentucky Derby Day event.

For tickets or more information about Ron's Run for the Roses, visit www.ronsrun.org.
 

About Armeny Custom Jewelry

Armeny is so much more than a jewelry store. Their West Hartford showroom is home to a one-of-a-kind collection of both fine and fashion jewelry, and owner Armen Manukyan is a master craftsman who brings a unique expertise to the design and repair of jewelry. A custom piece designed by Armen for a wedding, anniversary, or other special occasion will capture that moment and bring you a lifetime of elegance. It isn't just a piece of jewelry. It's a work of art. Learn more at www.armeny.com.

About The Ron Foley Foundation

The Ron Foley Foundation was established in memory of Connecticut business leader Ron Foley, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in October of 2005. The foundation bearing his name is dedicated to promoting early detection and, ultimately, finding a cure for this disease through ongoing research. Encouraged by the success of her first fundraising event in 2009, a Derby Day gathering, Ron's widow Barbara formed the Ron Foley Foundation. Today, this 501(c)(3) charitable organization sponsors a series of annual events to build awareness and raise funds for research, education, and patient assistance. Visit www.ronsrun.org to learn more.