Cancer Survivor Wins Moissanite Contest

By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, 2/29/2008 11:13:00 AM

Nichelle Eggleston, an 18-year cancer survivor from New Castle, Del., was honored for her “Milestone Moment” and was awarded with a custom-made 5-ct. moissanite pendant, valued at $10,500.

Nichelle Eggleston (right) with her daughters Danita Eggelston (left) and Coryn Williams.

Eggleston’s milestone includes how she found the strength to overcome adversity and dedicated her life to sharing her experience with others. Her entry regarding her battle with cancer and overcoming the loss of her leg was selected from over 13,600 stories written by women in a national contest called, “Milestone Moments,” sponsored by Hearst Communications. The contest, promoted in O, The Oprah Magazine, kicked off in October as a way to honor all women for the significant events that they face in their lives. Charles & Colvard, Ltd. and JCPenney supplied Nichelle’s prize.

During the award presentation held at Bryn Mawr Rehab at the Wayne Center in Wayne, Pa., Eggleston shared her inspirational story to a room full of family, friends, and co-workers.

She detailed how in 1989 at the age of 22, she was diagnosed with cancer and beat it, or so she thought. In 2003, 14-years after her initial diagnosis, the tumor returned and in order to save her life the doctors had to amputate her leg. After the amputation, Eggleston dedicated her life to sharing her message with others.

She now works as a rehabilitation social worker educating others so they too may realize their physical potential. She left a powerful message that her disability does not define who she is today and that there is nothing she can’t do.

Barbara Mooty, Charles & Colvard vice president of Brand Development presented her with a custom-made platinum pendant set with an approximate 5-ct. total weight round, brilliant-cut, moissanite jewel, surrounded and accented with micro-set diamonds. Eggleston will also be featured in the May issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.

“I am so proud that people will be able to read about people like me, who have lost a limb, but have a good quality of life, Eggleston said. "We are out working and enjoying life. This brilliant moissanite pendant symbolizes my commitment to encourage other people to be the best that they can be.”

Nichelle Eggleston, New Castle, Del., “Milestone Moments,” winning entry:

My Milestone moment was when I found out that I would have to have my leg amputated due to Cancer. Eventhough this may have been a tragic experience for most. I chose to not get depressed and angry, but to allow this life changing event to reshape my life and attitude about life. I put 100 percent into rehabilitation. I spoke to any and everybody who wanted to know about how I survived cancer for 18 years now. And how it is to be young, female and have a leg amputated. I want people to see and know that losing a limb or having any kind of disability doesn't define who that person is. I focus on my abilities and not my disability. I work fulltime as a social worker in a rehab/LTC center. As I am helping people realize their physical potential. I realize that I was once them, taking one step at a time towards regaining independence.