Collection of Jewelry and Gifts to Support Those Battling Cancer is a “Casserole Alternative,” According to Founder
San Marino native and 1997 San Marino High School graduate Jennifer Parsons Kennedy, founder of By Your Side, launched her company’s website on Oct. 1 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and the 12th anniversary of her breast cancer diagnosis.
Kennedy, a young breast cancer survivor, recently watched her mother journey down the same path she herself had been on 12 years ago. While accompanying her mother – San Marino’s Jayne Parsons – to her first chemotherapy appointment, Kennedy met a young woman in the lobby and noticed she was alone. Wanting to encourage her – and nowhere near a casserole – Kennedy decided to give the patient the necklace she was wearing. She wanted her to know she was not alone during her most vulnerable days.
“I gave this woman my necklace and told her, ‘You are not alone. You will survive. Be brave. Be strong. God’s got this,’” Kennedy said. “She had a little more hope than she did before we met. She now had someone walking by her side.”
Kennedy continued seeing the woman at each of her mother’s chemotherapy appointments and was heartened that she was wearing Kennedy’s necklace, which provided her with hope and support.
Inspired by this interaction, Jennifer founded the By Your Side Collection.
By Your Side is a collection of jewelry that supports and gives hope to those who need it most. It is designed with ropes and knots, symbolizing that together we are made stronger. The jewelry is designed to both be gifted to those that need it most, and also to be worn by loved ones in solidarity.
“I now have the opportunity to use my experience as a patient and caregiver to impact lives through jewelry and community,” shared Kennedy.
Jennifer Kennedy is the daughter of Jayne and Ken Parsons of San Marino. She is married to Monty Kennedy and is the mother of Reece, Libby and Campbell Kennedy. The family resides in Sierra Madre.
Find By Your Side online at www.byyoursidecollection.com. For more information, please contact Jennifer@byyoursidecollection.com
