A Legacy of Love, Strength and Support for Breast Cancer Research at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Since 1973, Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has been more than a jewelry-making supplier—it has been a community built on creativity, compassion and care. For founder and CEO Chris Freedman, supporting breast cancer research isn’t just a cause; it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in family experience and community commitment.
“Like so many others, my family has been directly affected by breast cancer,” says Chris Freedman. “My mother was a fighter who faced breast cancer with incredible grace and strength. Later, my sister bravely battled Inflammatory Breast Cancer with a treatment that, at the time, was experimental. She's still with us 25 years later. These experiences gave me a personal understanding of how important early detection, advanced treatments, and hope really are.”
Giving Back with Heart
Fire Mountain’s charitable commitment began more than two decades ago, and has grown into an ongoing promise to support breast cancer research through meaningful partnerships and customer participation.
From 2003 to 2009, Fire Mountain Gems and Beads donated over $46,000 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, one of the most recognized breast cancer organizations in the world. Through customer purchases and community fundraising, these contributions supported groundbreaking research, awareness campaigns, and local outreach services.
“Every contribution—large or small—was made with heart,” Chris says. “The support from our customers during those years laid the foundation for everything that came after.”
In 2009, Fire Mountain Gems and Beads began formally supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), an organization committed to advancing the most promising scientific research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Since then, the company has donated over $30,000 in direct contributions to BCRF. This includes corporate gifts and employee-driven efforts such as Lee Denim Day events and staff donations. Click here to learn more about the BCRF and help support their mission.
“We’re in the business of creativity, but also connection,” Chris says. “Giving back is just part of who we are.”
Charms for a Cause
In October 2024, Fire Mountain contributed $5,000 to BCRF and introduced three exclusive Breast Cancer Awareness charms. Each design honors those affected and empowers makers to raise awareness through their jewelry. 100% of the purchase price of these charms goes directly to BCRF and every charm purchased will continue to fund lifesaving research. Donations can also be made by visiting https://give.bcrf.org/FMG24.
“Jewelry is more than decoration—it’s expression, healing, and community,” Chris says. “When artists create with purpose, they’re not just making jewelry. They’re creating hope.”
Circle of Hope: A Creative Force for Good
Fire Mountain’s commitment to breast cancer support began long before 2009. From 2003 to 2018, the company hosted the Circle of Hope project. Artists from around the world donated handmade beads and jewelry sold in October, with 100% of proceeds going to breast cancer organizations. These heartfelt pieces were reminders that creativity, when shared, can make a lasting impact.
“I used to say: it’s amazing what a handful of beads can do,” Chris reflects. “Circle of Hope showed us that when people come together with open hearts, even the smallest act can have a ripple effect.”
Within the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads community, the commitment to breast cancer awareness is deeply personal. Over the years, many employees and their loved ones have been affected by this disease—mothers, sisters, coworkers, friends. These experiences have shaped our passion and strengthened our resolve to support research, raise awareness and give back.
“So many of us have been touched by breast cancer in some way,” says Chris. “We carry these stories with us, and they’re what drive our ongoing support—for those we’ve lost, and for those still fighting.”
Bead-It-Forward: Art that Inspires Action
Started by Jeanette Shanigan after her mother’s passing, the Bead-It-Forward project invited artists worldwide to contribute themed 1x1-inch squares that were assembled into quilts and auctioned for breast cancer research. Fire Mountain purchased over 20 of these quilts between 2007 and 2014, now displayed proudly at headquarters.
These quilts were made possible thanks in part to the Bead&Button Show committee, whose long-standing support of breast cancer awareness helped bring the project to life through their auctions and visibility. Their commitment helped amplify the voices—and art—of countless beaders united for a cause.
“Every square was a tiny artwork with a big message,” Chris says. “These quilts are a tribute to the strength, resilience and heart of the beading community.”
A Beaded Masterpiece: Alice in Wonderland
In 2010, 42 Ukrainian artists from around the world collaborated online to create a stunning beaded collage inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Each artist crafted a scene or character, from the Cheshire Cat to the Dodo, and the pieces were assembled in the U.S. by Tatiana Van Iten.
This labor of love included artists of all ages—like 97-year-old Nina Agapejev and 14-year-old Anastasia, who tragically passed away during the project. Her name lives on in a beaded tree.
The finished artwork was displayed at the Bead&Button Show and auctioned at their Bead Social, with proceeds benefiting breast cancer research—another example of how the show’s organizers champion creativity for a cause. Today, the piece hangs at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads for all to see. Read more about The Making of "Alice in Wonderland": A Beaded Storyline.
“We’re honored to share this art with our visitors and the global beading community,” Chris says. “It’s a powerful example of what happens when artists unite for a cause.”
Join the Movement
To date, Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has contributed over $75,000 to breast cancer causes, and the story is far from over. Whether it’s designing with purpose, purchasing awareness charms, donating directly, or simply sharing your story, you are part of something powerful.
“The treatments available today weren’t even possible a decade ago,” Chris notes. “Every dollar raised brings us closer to a cure. That’s why we keep going. That’s why we fight.”
Join us—because every bead tells a story. And every story matters.
Fire Mountain Gems invites customers, designers and friends to join in the ongoing effort—through donations, handcrafted jewelry, awareness campaigns, or simply sharing their stories. Because at Fire Mountain, every bead tells a story—and every story matters.
“When our customers design with purpose, they’re making more than jewelry—they’re joining a movement,” Chris says. “And that’s the kind of beauty that lasts.”
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