Three months ago I began mapping out a plan that had been burning within me for almost 4 years. What I didn't know is to get the ball rolling, my boyfriend, Ron Alford would be sitting next to me. In life there are so many full circle moments and this truly is one for me.

Starting this fall, each quarter, Harts & Pearls will choose a cause or benefit to give back to, we will donate a portion of our sales to that cause, we will focus our attention on bringing hope and awareness through our blogs & social media, as it relates to the cause. The purpose is to be more intentional about showing what Harts & Pearls has meant to me and truly what it reflects - Harts & Pearls is a story of hope, a story of overcoming, and a story of "rising above." We will partner with causes that are also striving to give back and bring hope.

As I began choosing the first cause H&P would partner with, life hit me with a ton of bricks -- I learned Ron's 7 year old son was diagnosed with Leukemia. Just weeks into the battle I knew this personal story would be my first focus. H&P has been donating 100% of our #TeamVanny sales to assist with all of Van's (Ron's son) medical bills. As the love, support, and prayers poured in Ron decided any further donations would be given to The Leukemia & Lymphoma society, to help other families in need.

What began as a huge unexpected tragedy is now the story I am sharing with you today to bring you HOPE and HELP in "Rising Above Through Tragedy."

We will regularly be interviewing people who are reflecting hope, Ron has been such a huge beacon of hope for me, I couldn't think of a greater person to kick off our new series.

Watch my full interview with Ron Alford: Learning to Rise Above Through Tragedy: Ron Alford