Girl Scout Project Supports Families Dealing With Cancer

When Hannah Recine was ready to pursue her Girl Scout Gold Award, she decided on a project that had personal meaning for her. As a result, students at high schools in numerous communities in Westchester and Putnam will know where to turn for support if they have a family member dealing with breast or ovarian cancer.

Hannah, a 15 year old Somers High School student, comes from a family with an extensive history of breast cancer. Three of her grandmothers were diagnosed with the disease, as well as an aunt who was diagnosed when Hannah was very young. In spite of her young age at the time, Hannah remembers being aware of how hard this was not only for her aunt, but for everyone in the family. This experience led Hannah to look for a Gold Award project that would somehow be helpful to young people who have family or friends dealing with breast and ovarian cancer.

Hannah knew right away that she wanted to reach out to Support Connection for help in formulating her project. She and her family have been involved with Support Connection for a long time. They began attending the annual Support-A-Walk years ago. Hannah’s mom Danielle held a fundraiser for Support Connection not long after her sister (Hannah’s aunt) was diagnosed. When Hannah was in middle school, her Girl Scout troop (co-led by her mom) earned their Bronze Award by creating pretty jars filled with messages of hope, which they donated to Support Connection.

So, Hannah met with Executive Director Katherine Quinn and other Support Connection staff, and came up with the idea of creating bookmarks containing information about the organization’s free support services. Hannah attached the bookmarks to stands shaped like anchors, to symbolize support. Then, she reached out to guidance counselors at area high schools to ask if they could be displayed in their offices. Altogether, Hannah delivered the anchors and bookmarks to 16 different guidance counselors, at four high schools in Westchester and two in Putnam, making them accessible to many students.

Hannah is very proud of her project, which is the culmination of her 10 years as a Girl Scout. Support Connection’s Katherine Quinn was happy to work with Hannah: “Hannah’s family has a long history with Support Connection. It is heartwarming to see her embrace this project so all students and guidance counselors know there’s a place to turn. Her project will make a real difference and help many people.”

Support Connection, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Founded in 1996, Support Connection is based in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., but through their toll-free hotline and website they serve people throughout the country. To learn more, call 914-962-6402 (toll-free: 800-532-4290) or visit www.supportconnection.org. Support Connection: We’ve Been There. We Care.