Local Cancer Organization Announces Annual Spirit Awards

Support Connection, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides free support services to those affected by breast and ovarian cancer, has announced the recipients of their 2020 Spirit Awards. The award presentation will take place during Support Connection’s Annual Spring Benefit on Friday, April 3, at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac, NY.

The Spirit Awards are given each year to honor those who demonstrate dedication to the organization’s mission by providing inspiration, time, talent and other resources.

This year’s Spirit Award recipients are:

Maria Rubino Jennings Spirit of Caring Award: Somers Women’s Club (Somers, NY). This award is presented in honor and memory of Maria who helped create Support Connection’s Peer Counseling program and other services. Like Maria, the recipient has made a positive difference in many lives through the power of caring.

The Somers Women’s Club began in 1972 as the Somers Junior Women’s Club, then reincorporated in 2000 as the Somers Women’s Club. There are currently 50 members: residents of Somers or of neighboring towns without a Women’s Club. The Club engages in numerous service activities throughout the year that make a real difference in the lives of those in our communities. They have been involved with Support Connection for many years. Club members participate in annual fundraisers like the Support-A-Walk, Spring Benefit, and Fantastic Finds fashion show. For the past 5 years they have been making and donating beautiful baskets filled with comforting items, which are given to women going through cancer to help them during a difficult time.

Club President Jodi Hu says: “We feel great when we can support local organizations where we can see the results of our service and know we are helping people. We are thrilled and honored to receive the Maria Rubino Jennings Spirit of Caring Award. Although we don’t do what we do for any sort of public recognition, it is rewarding to receive it. We are also happy because this will help raise awareness among Club members and the community about the work Support Connection does.”

Spirit of Community Award: Diane Buschel (Yorktown Heights, NY) and the Golden Apple Chorus. This award is presented to individuals and groups whose efforts and actions make a huge difference to Support Connection and the community.

Diane Buschel and the Golden Apple Chorus have a long history with Support Connection. Diane has been a dedicated Support Connection volunteer for 23 years. She is also a member of the award-winning Golden Apple Chorus, an all-female a cappella chorus that sings four-part harmony. About 20 years ago Diane connected the chorus to Support Connection and they’ve been involved ever since. They sing every year at the Annual Support-A-Walk. They’ve sung at other Support Connection events and have performed at local businesses to raise funds. To celebrate the Walk’s 25th Anniversary last year, Diane and fellow chorus member Barbara DeFerrari wrote a tribute song about Support Connection’s work. The chorus also shares the gift of music to brighten the lives of people throughout the community, including those in senior residences, veteran's homes, nursing homes, children's hospitals and more.

On behalf of the chorus, Diane says: “We are truly honored to receive the Spirit of Community Award. All of us have a friend or family member, if not ourselves, who are have been affected by cancer. Several of our chorus members have had cancer diagnoses and were greatly helped by Support Connection programs. The work that Support Connection does and the way they touch so many peoples’ lives is extraordinary.”

Spirit of Giving Award: Nancy Stingone (Yorktown Heights, NY). This award is presented to those who give of themselves in extraordinary ways to further Support Connection’s mission.

Nancy Stingone’s involvement with Support Connection began in 1996, the year the organization was founded, because she knew Executive Director Katherine Quinn. Nancy has been a donor and supporter from the start, and her commitment has continued to grow. In addition to her personal support, Nancy contributes through her business Unique Design Creations, which creates beautiful custom gift baskets for special occasions and events. Through the company’s “Donate While You Shop” program, customers can choose a charity like Support Connection to receive a donation from the company. As Executive Director of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, Nancy encourages the Chamber and local businesses to lend further support to the organization.

About Support Connection, Nancy says: “Everyone knows someone who is affected by breast or ovarian cancer. This organization offers emotional support and services that you can tell your friends and family to reach out to, when you feel all hope is lost and you don’t know where to turn. You do not have to feel alone.” She adds: “I am honored and so very grateful to receive the Spirit of Giving Award. I feel extremely grateful that I have contributed in my personal and professional way to this amazing organization that is always so supportive to our community, friends and family.”

Julie Haney Spirit of Hope Awards: This award is presented to individuals who offer inspiration to fellow cancer survivors, as Julie did. They have taken their own experiences and translated them into an opportunity to raise awareness about Support Connection’s mission.

This year there are two recipients:

Barbara Lichtenberger (Peekskill, NY): Barbara is a breast cancer survivor. Her involvement with Support Connection began not long after her initial diagnosis in 1996. She had known Myra Adamski, the wife of the organization’s late co-founder Richard Adamski. So she knew she could reach out to Support Connection for help. Barbara was grateful to be able to attend a support group, and she also volunteered at the office when she could. In 2017, when after being retired for a couple of years, Barbara wanted to do some volunteer work. That same year, she learned that her cancer had recurred, so volunteering for Support Connection seemed like a perfect fit. She began volunteering one day a week at Support Connection’s upscale resale store Fantastic Finds and continues to do so today. In 2018, Barbara joined Support Connection’s staff as Administrative Coordinator. She spends three days a week answering the phone, connecting callers with the counselors, greeting visitors and handling many tasks that keep the office running smoothly.

Barbara is honored to receive this award: “To be honest, I was a bit surprised. I never looked at myself as someone who might be inspiring to others. It feels great to be recognized in this way. When I told my three sons about the award they were very happy about it.” She adds: “Support Connection is an amazing organization. Working there day after day, I see firsthand the difference it makes when women and families can speak with our Peer Counselors. I am honored to be a part of that.”

Debra Wolf (Granite Springs, NY). Debra was diagnosed with both uterine and cervical cancer on the same day in 2006: “It was such a shock. I was scared.” She learned about Support Connection while in treatment and reached out for support right away: “I was fortunate to have the Peer Counselors to speak to during such a traumatic time in my life. They helped me through the process, and since they’re cancer survivors themselves, they totally understood my fears, hopes, and dreams.” Debra has relied on Support Connection’s programs ever since. She participates in many educational and wellness programs. She attends special events such as Celebrate Life Day, which is her favorite, and the Support-A-Walk, where she walks with a team and raises funds. Her teams have raised more than $12,000 altogether. Debra also volunteers the office and at community outreach events, and shares information about Support Connection’s services wherever she can.

Debra says: “I am involved with Support Connection because they helped me get through a very difficult time in my life. They are just one phone call away, which is so helpful. Anyone can call from any part of the country.” She adds: “I feel humbled and delighted to accept the Spirit of Hope Award. Everyday Support Connection changes someone’s life for the better. When I first entered their office I could feel the love and hope. Fourteen years later, I truly feel the same way. My mission is to spread the word: When in need, it is Support Connection IN DEED!”

The Spring Benefit is Support Connection’s second most important annual fundraiser. Proceeds help fund their free breast and ovarian cancer support services and programs. In addition to the award presentation, the event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, music, and dancing. There will also be a silent auction and raffles with numerous valuable prizes.

To purchase tickets for the Spring Benefit, to pay tribute with a congratulatory Journal Ad, or to be an Event Sponsor, call 914-962-6402, email coordinator@supportconnection.org. To learn more, visit www.supportconnection.org/spring-benefit.