Gabriele Mayer-Hunke, an English and German professor at CMU, sells purses as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
“I make all sizes of purses, from the smallest ‘walk-the-dog’ purses, to cosmetic bags, to cross-body bags and large shopping bags,” Mayer-Hunke said.
Mayer-Hunke hand makes all the purses and she uses re-purposed and pre-owned clothing to make them. She then cuts them to the right size and embellishes them.
Making purses has a much deeper meaning to Mayer-Hunke.
“After I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2008, I had to undergo six rounds of chemotherapy,” Mayer-Hunke said. “It was an experience I would not wish upon my worst enemy. I wanted to raise awareness for the ‘silent killer’ ovarian cancer and raise money for research.”
She has been selling purses for two years. Her co-workers, students, family and friends buy them.
“I enjoy sewing very much, having learned it from my mother in Germany during my childhood. People saw me carry my own handmade purses and wanted to buy them from me. And so it began,” Mayer-Hunke said.
All the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society through the CMU Relay for Life Team. Mayer-Hunke sells purses not only for fundraising, but also to raise awareness about the fight against cancer.
“After surviving cancer and chemotherapy, some patients are so glad they are finished and never want to mention the ‘C word’ again. I understand that fully,” Mayer-Hunke said. “Others, including me, use the opportunity to raise awareness about the disease because there is so much that the medical community does not understand yet about cancer. We need many more resources.”
To purchase a purse or learn more about the cause, visit Mayer-Hunke’s office in Lowell Heiny 426 or call 248-1056.