"I try to make sure that cancer patients know they are not alone. My slogan is 'changing lives, one smile at a time,'" said Clarise Colbert, cancer survivor and founder of the local nonprofit Diamond Art for Cancer, when describing the care packages that she distributes to cancer patients. "That's exactly what it does. (The gifts) make people smile. I can connect with cancer patients in a way that other people can't. (I have) been there."

Colbert, who resides in Hershey, is a Stage 3 breast cancer survivor who was told she would live six months to a year in 2016. "I am now using my experience to help others in the community," she said. "I create and make almost anything diamond art, mostly face masks, bookmarks and keychains, that I give away in special care packages for current cancer patients all over the U.S."

In addition, men and teens receive a gift card in their packages, women are given a Coach wallet and children receive a stuffed bear that Colbert makes at the local Build-A-Bear Workshop based on the child's interests. For example, one youngster just received a Star Wars-themed bear.

Colbert explained that diamond art entails placing diamond jewels in a pattern to look like a mosaic. "It's a cross between color-by-numbers and cross-stitching," she said. "I call myself a diamond artist."

Founding the charity has allowed Colbert to combine her love of creating diamond art with her desire to help other cancer patients. "(During treatment I thought) that, 'When I get through this, I am going to do something to help other people to know they are never alone,'" she said. "For some reason, (making the items) is soothing for me and helps me with anxiety. I am doing something that I enjoy, and I get to share it with other people."

Colbert learns the names and addresses of her care package recipients through social media. "I see someone who has cancer come across my feed, so I will inbox them (with the message), 'My nonprofit would like to send you a free gift. Message me back with your address,'" she explained. "There are people who reach out to me on Facebook. Or I will be out, and someone will talk about a (relative) with cancer. I will give them a business card and have them contact me. I've given out at least 30 or 40 (care packages) all over the United States."

Colbert uses her own funds to purchase the materials to make the crafts and also holds pop-up shows to help raise money to buy more supplies. "I'll use the money for inventory or to raise money for certain cancer patients," she said, noting she recently raised funds for a little boy named Blake from Pittsburgh who has brain cancer. "I did a pop-up in Hummelstown and presented his family with a check, and I presented Blake with a bear and a face mask. I keep in contact with all of the patients, especially the little kids."

For more information about the charity or to make a donation for the purchases of supplies, visit http://www.facebook.com/DiamondArtforCancer.