Former world No. 1 tennis player and winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, Chris Evert has been a symbol of strength and perseverance for decades. That role took on a whole new meaning in 2021 when Ms. Evert was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Several years prior, her sister Jeanne was diagnosed with the same cancer at a later stage; after her death, doctors discovered a rare genetic mutation of the BRCA gene had been the cause.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this pink sapphire bracelet will benefit the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Ms. Evert followed the advice of her doctors to be proactive about early detection, and through choices about surgery and her own genetic testing, discovered she had stage 1C ovarian cancer. Her cancer—a type that is often caught too late to be effectively treated—was detected early. Ms. Evert has said that “my sister’s death saved my life.”
Just over a year since her diagnosis, Ms. Evert is busier than ever, not only sharing her cancer journey but also serving as a commentator for ESPN and running a tennis academy with her brother. In September 2022, the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program honored Ms. Evert with the 2022 Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award at its 29th Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon. Earlier this year, she revealed in an update on ESPN.com that she underwent a double mastectomy, reducing her risk of developing breast cancer by more than 90%.
In addition to her legacy as a world class tennis champion and cancer survivor and advocate, Ms. Evert is also known for coining the term “tennis bracelet” after her diamond bracelet fell off her wrist during the 1978 U.S. Open tournament. In a full circle moment, Ms. Evert teamed up with jeweler Monica Rich Kosann last year for a tennis bracelet collection. A new collection has just launched, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the pink sapphire bracelet benefiting the Prevent Cancer Foundation. With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to purchase a gift for your loved one while supporting the Foundation.
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