A Hermitage breast cancer survivor is raising awareness for the disease she conquered, and raising money for cancer research at the same time.

Aileen Magnotto, who was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, helps make pinky rings, rings in the shape of a pink ribbon worn by some women in a show of solidarity with cancer survivors.

The rings can be custom made with certain stones and can be made with pink gold diamonds.

Mrs. Magnotto said the purpose of the rings is to foster a special sisterhood among survivors, and create a symbol of support and awareness for all.

Ten percent of all proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen for The Cure Fund, a national nonprofit group with a branch in Pittsburgh that offers support to women who have or have survived breast cancer and provides funding for cancer research.

The group’s Web site, www.komen.org, says the organization is a global leader in the breast cancer movement, and has spent more than $30 million for community-based education, cancer screenings and treatment programs.

Vouchers for mammograms are also avaiable from the Pittsburgh branch at pittsburghforthecure.org.

Mrs. Magnotto explained how she came up with the idea for the ring: “When I was in cancer treatment, people were giving me everything pink.”

Mrs. Magnotto said when she decided to do something that would raise awareness, the gifts she was given inspired her to do something with that color, hence a pinky ring that can be made with a pink gold diamond.

The rings can be worn in two ways, she said, with the ribbon tails facing toward the heart of the wearer, signifying that she is a breast cancer survivor, or with the ribbon tails pointing toward the wearer’s fingertips, signifying that she is supporting a cancer survivor or just wearing the ring to promote awareness.

Mrs. Magnotto said the rings are handmade now and sold in jewelry stores in Pittsburgh, as well as through www.breastcancerpinkyring.com, and at Sharon Regional Health System’s Diagnostic and Imaging Center and UPMC Horizon’s Womancare Center, both in Hermitage. She said she is considering having them mass-produced.

“There are a lot of pieces of jewelry,” she said. “What makes mine unique is that it’s a pinky ring. These are for awareness. If someone sees you wearing the ring, they (can be made) aware of the importance of early detection.”

Another way Mrs. Magnotto raises awareness about the disease and money for cancer research is through the sale of a book she self-published.

Entitled “The 36C Cup is Half Full,” a play on words referring to a woman’s bra size, is about her experience from diagnosis through treatment.

The chapters are also a play on a woman’s bra size, starting with chapter A, continuing to chapters B, C, D and so on.