Business & Tech

Cancer Survivor Giving Back with "Cosy" Fundraiser

"I have won this fight for now," says Franklin Lakes resident Lisette Garcia. "It is my time to give back."

Cancer survivor Lisette Garcia is moving past her disease and applying her professional skills to raise money for those struggling with cancer.

Garcia, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in March of 2011, is hosting an event on Nov. 17 that is more than the launch of a handbag collection.

Soon after her diagnosis, she learned that insurance would only cover part of her treatment, Garcia said, and the shots necessary to beat back the cancer that would likely kill this Franklin Lakes wife and mother of two young girls, would cost her thousands of dollar per month.

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So, when she was faced with that financial burden of treatment a year ago, Garcia said, she learned the biggest lesson of her life.

Now she's partnering her company Cosy Corporation with Gilda's Club of Northern New Jersey and a dozen sponsors to raise money to help other families and individuals who are less fortunate then her.

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"I have won this fight for now," said Garcia, who's been in remission for one year. "It is my time to give back."

Garcia is the president, owner and founder of Cosy Corporation, a company born out of her passions in 2008. 

"I grew up in the jewelry business learning it from my mother Maria Edelsa Garcia and my father Rafael Abreu," she said. 

This swank event Saturday at Brooklyn lounge Bar Celona marks the launch of Garcia's first handbag collection. 

Garcia said she's very optimistic based on the response from sponsors and attendees that it will be a great event, but couldn't put a dollar figure on just how much money she expects to send to Gilda's Club.

"I plan on being very generous because I was so blessed," Garcia said.  "I know my heart and my goal is to give a sum that will put smiles on many faces even if my sales do not give space to that, I would donate personally if necessary."

Sponsors include Bar Celona, Palermo's, Flowers of the Field, Mamajuana Domenicana, Joe Fresh, and Dental Arts of Hackensack.

She's also designed a necklace emblazoned with the word "Survivor" and 20 percent of its sales will go to Gilda's Club.

"I worked hand in hand on [the project] with Italian artisans to bring a collection of excellent quality and craftsmanship," Garcia said. "We give our customers that boutique shopping experience." 

"We go the extra mile to make sure the best metals and stones are used," Garcia said. "We do not compromise quality."

The company also helps host home jewelry shows where the event's hostess earns 20 percent of all merchandise sales, said Garcia, who hopes to one day open a boutique and expand her brand to gain national and international recognition. 

For more info on the event check out the Cosy Corporation website and its Facebook page.

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