Freeborn County’s cancer survivors were treated to a special gift Thursday at Stadheim Jewelers in Albert Lea.

In correspondence with the Freeborn County Relay for Life, Stadheim Jewelers and manufacturer Pandora teamed up to provide a Pandora bracelet and an Angel of Hope charm for every survivor registered locally with the relay.

“Survivors are the reason we relay,” said Chairwoman Nikki Schumaker. “They give us hope and strength to keep the fight up.”

On the eve of the local Relay for Life, the token by Stadheim and Pandora was given in an effort to show local survivors how much they are appreciated and how much they are supported.

Mark Stadheim, one of the owners of Stadheim Jewelers, said he had been involved with the relay before, but this year he and his sister, Beth, and brother, Jeff, discussed the possibility of giving every survivor a bracelet and charm. Their manufacturer, Pandora, was also up for the idea, so the project came to fruition.

“The thanks from the people who are getting it is gratifying,” Mark said, noting he has seen people of all ages — but mostly people in their middle to late ages — come in to pick up their bracelets.

Mark said his father, Arnie, lost his mother, father, sister and niece to cancer, and his mother lost her father, two brothers and a sister all to cancer.

Tonight

– 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.: silent auction

– 6 to 7 p.m.: opening ceremonies, including speeches from this year’s honorary co-chairwoman Amy Wasson and co-chairman Chris Utz, along with honorary caregiver Beth -Manges. Also includes the survivor walk

– 6 to 7 p.m.: buy a chance to win large gas cards

– 6 to 9 p.m.: kiddie carnival

– 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.: live entertainment

Cancer affects more people than some may think.

“Everybody’s very appreciative,” said Mark’s wife, Terri. “We’ve seen a lot of tears and everybody has been excited about it. It’s gone over well.”

The Pandora bracelets given out were designed in sterling silver and had the capability of loading several charms to express a person’s own style and memorable experiences.

Beth Stadheim-Ordalen, another owner of the business, said Stadheim has 600 different charms in the store to go on the bracelets.

“It’s a piece that can start and it can be very sentimental,” she said.

People can keep it simple with just the Angel of Hope charm or add to it for their family.

“It’s nice to see the response that people are happy to receive them,” she said.

Schumaker said the smiles on the faces of survivors help keep her going to win the fight against cancer.

“I have the hope and strength that someday because of us we will find a cure for cancer,” she said. “The amazing support of Freeborn County is outstanding!”

She thanked Mark and Beth at Stadheim for their donation.