You all know how much I love Oscar de la Renta, right? When I say love, I mean loooove! I have had had the opportunity to spend time with him (MAJOR Silver Lining)…and yes, he is as wonderful as he appears to be!
A perfect example of his wonderfulness (I wish that were a real word!) is that in honor of national breast cancer awareness month, Oscar de la Renta will be donating 10% of net proceeds from the pink shop to the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Mr. de la Renta’s magic attracts amazing people to his company. One such person is Marissa Kraxberger. She is the Head of Creative for Oscar de la Renta and has also launched George & Ruby, a super fun blog about her life as a New York mother of two and her job at Oscar de la Renta.
Marissa is a self-described “city-girl with a penchant for travel, lace, her tea cup yorkie and entertaining friends.” But most of all, it’s her passion for her (adorable!) young children, that defines her time and the space she shares with her husband in New York. I really love this blog because she balances the whirlwind of fashion + social media with sippy cups + sesame street.
On a melancholy note, FBC (f-bomb breast cancer) has touched Marissa’s life:
“my sister-in-law is a breast cancer survivor and is a total inspiration. she is a mother of four and found out she had breast cancer last fall… she maintained such a strong and positive outlook throughout her treatments (while staying home and taking care of her children). i have always believed that one’s mind and perspective is a huge part of the battle in regards to illnesses… from the moment she found out she had cancer, she made a mental decision that cancer was not going to win–in the end she successfully completed all of her treatments and is now cancer free.”
I could go on and on, but I’ll let you hear directly from Marissa:
THANK YOU to both Marissa as well as Mr. de la Renta for all that you do to make the world a better, happier place…the ultimate Silver Linings!
What a great interview you had with Marissa Kraxberger. I like her motto: "If you want something done, ask a busy person". She seems well-organized but still makes time for her husband and children, friends, and reading. (I am going to read a couple of the books she mentions.) And how lucky she is to be able to buy Oscar de la Renta clothes at an employee discount for herself and family!
Also I do agree with Marissa on her sister-in-law's attitude toward getting over and past FBC. Your mind-set and attitude count for so much. No wonder Marissa feels inspired by her. It shows in Marissa's own outlook, her blog, her creativity, and what she counts as her silver lining of gratitude.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Carolee! I really appreciate it, as always! Marissa is indeed terrific!
Love your site… this is the first time I am commenting. I just feel compelled to say something about this quote: "…from the moment she found out she had cancer, she made a mental decision that cancer was not going to win–in the end she successfully completed all of her treatments and is now cancer free.”
I too believe there is magic and power in thoughts and the strength of a positive attitude is immeasurable. But it MUST be said that there are thousands of people who made that same mental decision, and followed through with the most aggressive cancer treatments available, and many of them did not get so LUCKY to be cancer free. Those who succumb to cancer did NOT LOSE and the cancer did NOT WIN. There is an implication here of "not fighting hard enough" which is false. I am so happy her sister-in-law is healthy and well, but this perpetuates the "battle" of cancer, the winning & losing mentality. As we all know, the biology of cancer, even early stage breast cancer detected and treated early, is complicated. If it were only as simple as having a mental decision… As if! If only – no one would get cancer in the first place!
Dear Shawn,
THANK YOU for your note. I am so very appreciative of it. I couldn't agree more!
I don't know if you have seen my post on this very topic…and the concept of "fighting." It might be of interest to you. Here it is: https://www.hollyejacobs.com/2011/06/30/the-fight/
I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
Thank you again for your comment…and for reading the blog.
Best wishes,
Hollye
You've both expressed yourselves so beautifully. Truth reigns here!!
Kim
Thanks, Kim!
I"m a little late to this post but it's just wonderful Hollye, thank you as ever, and I can't wait to read Marissa and Ruby & George! xox
Thanks, dear Frances!! xx
As an eight year survivor of stage 4 F Bomb uterine cancer, I still feel so blessed to have made it this far. Shawn's observation and your response, Hollye, are spot on. Many are treated; not all make it. Those of us who do count our lucky stars and pray we can continue to keep counting. We all have loved ones who weren't so lucky. Keep the inspiration coming, Hollye. Suzy Farbman
Dear Suzy,
Thank you so much for your beautiful comment. I sure do appreciate it! So very much!