by Frank Sabatini Jr.

—[ great cause ]—

Award-winning jeweler Tamara Alter of Solana Beach introduces The High Heals Foundation in an ongoing effort to generate monies and research for early detection of ovarian cancer. Each year more than 25,500 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with the disease, and more than 16,000 succumb to it, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Alter lost her sister, Stefanie Dawn Strauss, to ovarian cancer in 2006, shortly after emergency-room doctors discovered she was in Stage 4 of the disease. Sadly, Strauss’ primary doctor of 18 years had failed to diagnose the cancer, despite her previous complaints of pain and bloating. The foundation, co-founded by Strauss’ best friend Candace Cohen, makes its official debut from 7 to 9 p.m., March 23, at Neiman-Marcus in the Fashion Valley Mall. The date marks what would have been Strauss’ 45th birthday.

In support of the cause, Alter launched the “Healing Hearts” line of rings, earrings and necklaces, using rhodium-plated sterling silver, 18-karat gold, diamonds and other precious stones, plus teal topaz (the color for ovarian cancer). “The heart was my sister’s favorite symbol,” says Alter. All proceeds from sales will go to the foundation. Alter was also heavily involved in writing and editing a 30-minute documentary on ovarian cancer, produced by the former San Diego Fox 6 News.

858-755-1309 • tamara-alter.com