In 1999, Caryn Jaffe, known to most as "CJ," was working as a Paramedic on a pediatric hematology/oncology unit in a Syracuse NY Hospital when her 3 am. 'stay awake craft project' became a successful failure during an impromptu and unexpected mandated overtime shift.  Her beaded creature picked up energy days later after a young man believed and focused on CJ's sentiments, "The Lucky Lizard's gonna make it ok." 

The original, 6" long, colorful, beaded creature started CJ on an unplanned, emotional, and outrageous exploration of mind, body, spirit, sport, healing, and the strength & power of human connection.

Once convinced she'd have a successful career as a professional flutist/piccoloist in a symphony orchestra, CJ now uses Lucky Lizards as her instrument. The melodies and harmonies she made reading, interpreting, practicing, and performing a composer's music notes has transitioned. She now creates and conveys memorable tunes using color, inspirational design, and dynamic storytelling. Her practice includes a palpable, rhythmic optimism that unlocks and shares the music in her heart. 

CJ has repeatedly seen the positive impact. She's handmade over 50,000 unique, beaded creatures in over 100 different designs. Most have been used as fundraisers, gifts donated to hospitals, charities, and athletes in the US and abroad.  Nurse CJ believes there is no better time to expand the reach of the Lucky Lizard as we face remarkably difficult times. Lucky Lizards provide you with something to hold on to as a bold reminder "we never walk alone."

LUCKY LIZARD STUDIOS's mission embraces and communicates strength all humans have to connect, care, act, and inspire. Lucky Lizards provide power to make someone's day, celebrate a moment, remember a friend, thank a hero, prepare for uncertainty, say "I love you," offer sentiments of hope, health, and happiness, and elevate your inner drive and commitment needed to make meaningful, personal, life changes.

Nurse CJ uses entertaining stories of her outrageous life's journey to connect with her patients. It's no surprise that Lucky Lizards are often central themes of her unusual experiences and source of strength. More importantly, over the last 2 decades, she has been told the miraculous, true stories that were inspired by the very same beaded creature that comforted a 14-year-old cancer patient during his stressful day back in 1999. 

You're invited to adopt your own Lucky Lizard. Get one for a friend! Why? "...Because We Never Walk Alone!" Lucky Lizards are a creative and colorful way to say, "I care." 

WHAT'S NEXT FOR LUCKY LIZARD STUDIOS?

 Lucky Lizard Studios is embarking on a monumental project to honor, thank, and support caregivers. LLS uses handmade one-of-a kind baskets filled with individually packaged Lucky Lizards and copies of their true story. 

CJ's inspiration for a caregiver support focus came from her nursing experience and recent recognition that healthcare professionals are struggling. Like doctors and nurses, everyday caregivers are facing with new challenges with seemingly unattainable goals.  Community stress levels are extraordinarily high.

Nurse CJ's a born problem solver and knows sometimes all you need to boost morale is a smile, a thank you, and a reminder that "we never walk alone." Her Lucky Lizards do all of that.

Here is the inspirational story. 

THE LEGEND OF THE LUCKY LIZARD - A True Story!

One evening in 1999, while I was working as a Paramedic at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital's (formerly SUNY Health Science Center / Upstate Medical University Hospital) Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Inpatient Unit, one of the Registered Nurses showed me how to make a lizard out of brightly colored beads and craft lace. I displayed my creation on my Hospital I.D. Badge.

Days later, while checking on a 14-year-old cancer patient, I found this usually upbeat young man to be very distressed. He explained that he was having a “very bad day.” Apparently, his doctors removed a catheter used to harvest his stem cells for a stem cell transplant. When he got out of bed 6 hours later, he began to bleed heavily from the catheter site. So back to bed he went. Once again, he had to lie flat with a heavy sandbag on his groin to help the old central IV line site clot.

So, I took my “Lucky Lizard” between my hands and gave it a gentle rub. I said, “Well, maybe this little creature will bring you some good luck the next time you get up.” …And sure enough, his next attempt at walking was without any problem. When he sat down on the edge of his bed afterwards, he let out a loud sigh of relief, pointed directly at my “Lucky Lizard” and said, “Give me one of those.” The patients at the Syracuse, NY's Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital Pediatric Hematology / Oncology Department have become very skilled at creating “Lucky Lizards.” In many ways, it has become a symbol of the unit and the strengths that the children, their friends, family, and hospital staff possess.

You are the most important part of the LUCKY LIZARD MIRACLE!