When you’re in the middle of something hard — really hard — the days can feel endless.
During my battle with stage 3 ovarian cancer, there were mornings I woke up and thought, How am I going to do this all over again today?
Then one day, my stepmom handed me a simple paper ring chain. Every single ring was handwritten in marker with a little message or number. It wasn’t fancy. It didn’t come in a glossy box or with a bow. But it was the most powerful gift I received during treatment.
A Lifeline in Paper Rings
The idea was simple: one ring for every single day from my very first chemo treatment until the day I rang the bell.
I only had chemo every three weeks, but I opened a ring every single day in between. Each morning, I’d tear one off and see the chain get shorter. It was tangible proof that I was getting closer to the finish line — one day at a time.
That tiny ritual gave me something to look forward to each day. It made the countdown visible. It reminded me I wasn’t stuck; I was moving forward, even on the days that felt like a standstill.
Why It Meant So Much
Cancer takes away a lot of control. You can’t always choose how you feel or what your body can do that day. But this little paper chain gave me back one small, meaningful choice: to celebrate progress.
Some days, ripping off a ring felt triumphant.
Other days, it was just… something to get me out of bed.
But over time, it became more than just paper and marker. It was hope in physical form.
From Patient to Founder
After treatment, I couldn’t stop thinking about that chain. How something so simple could carry so much meaning. And I started wondering — what if this could help other people going through long, hard seasons?
That’s how One Ring Closer was born.
Now, we create countdown ring chains for all kinds of journeys — chemo, pregnancy, IVF, postpartum recovery, NICU stays, and more. Every chain is customizable, and every message is designed to make someone smile, feel seen, and know they’re not alone.
Why It Works
A countdown chain turns time into something you can hold, see, and celebrate.
It’s not about how many days are left — it’s about honoring each step along the way.
If you know someone facing a tough season, you don’t have to have all the right words or fix their situation. Sometimes, a simple reminder that they’re moving forward — one day, one ring at a time — can mean the world.
Ready to gift a little hope?
You can shop our full collection of countdown chains here.
Because sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the biggest mark. 💛