For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
Cynthia Grant may be a tiny woman, no more than 5 feet tall, but her heart is enormous.
About 10 years ago, she purchased "Do Unto Others: How Good Deeds Can Change Your Life," a book by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. In the book, Twerski uses stories to illustrate how doing good deeds for others, no matter how small, can change many lives, including your own. His message affected Grant in a big way and eventually would change her life.
Seven years later, she happened to read about Gateway Rehabilitation Center, which provides services for those struggling with addiction, and which coincidentally was founded by Twerski. Grant knew immediately that she wanted to help. She called Twerski at his office in Pittsburgh, and he put her in touch with Gateway Rehab's Director of Development, Ron Cichowicz, who has been working with her ever since.
"I was inspired by Dr. Twerski's writing," Grant says. "It's the little things people do that have a ripple effect on society. And I was so surprised when Dr. Twerski called me back himself. He is a wonderful man. He has done so much, written over 50 books, yet he still takes time to talk to people who call him."
Cichowicz remembers his first contact with Grant.
"Cindy approached me and said she had read Dr. Twerski's book and was moved by his writing, and she wanted to know if there was anything she could do," he said.
After talking with Cichowicz, Grant, an artist and jewelry designer, came up with the idea of designing special "Key to Healing" bracelets that could be worn by those struggling with addiction, their family members and friends, or anyone who wanted to support Gateway's efforts.
The simply designed but elegant hand-crafted bracelets are made of silver or 14-karat gold. The women's bracelet is a feminine design with a small crystal and key hanging from it, and the men's bracelet is similar to an identification bracelet with a key engraved on a silver keystone. She has also expanded the line into earrings and necklaces. She donates 50 percent of the proceeds to Gateway Rehab, and the money is used for programs for creating awareness about addiction and how it affects society.
"We are very appreciative that Cindy sees the importance of the work we are doing and shares her time and talents with Gateway," Cichowicz said. "Our main challenge is creating awareness of our services - 85 percent of the people who would benefit from treatment never get it." The Key to Healing jewelry helps create that awareness.
Grant speaks of Twerski with great admiration. "He is wise, funny, warm and sharp. He has an amazing insight into the human condition and a better grasp on the meaning of life than most people."
Twerski, who also is a psychiatrist, is still writing books.
In addition to the Key to Healing jewelry, Grant also designs jewelry for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Children's Hospital, as well as a line of one-of-a-kind pieces including necklaces, bracelets and earrings. But her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit do not stop at her jewelry design. She is also a certified second-level Reiki teacher. Reiki is the Japanese art of using the hands to reduce stress and promote relaxation, also known as the "healing touch."
If the jewelry designing and Reiki teaching don't keep her busy enough, Grant and her husband also run two businesses - one that sells reproduction iron beds and one that sells neon clocks. They also have two young children.
Grant's jewelry may be viewed and purchased at www.cynthiagrantjewelry.com, or call 724-225-1736 for more information. Her designs also are sold at Third Street Gallery in Carnegie and several other Pittsburgh area locations.