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 2019 Spirit Awards. The award presentation will take place during Support Connection’s 2019 Spring Benefit on Friday, April 26, atVilla Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac, NY.
The 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 Spring Benefit Award recipients are:
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. Presented to Barbara Cervoni, the organization’s Services and Communications Director, in recognition of Barbara’s 15 years of outstanding service, commitment and contributions, helping the organization fulfill its mission.
BARBARA CERVONI (BEDFORD HILLS, NY): Barbara is an integral member of Support Connection’s staff. Barbara always believed in the organization’s mission, however, it took on new meaning when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. Being diagnosed gave her an even greater understanding of the value of support. Barbara continued to devote herself to her work, even though she had to deal with her own health challenges. To this day, her contributions to the organization are invaluable.
Barbara oversees and manages the organization’s professional peer counselors, programs and services, writes grants and directs the organization’s communication efforts. Barbara has secured hundreds of grants to help fund the organization’s free programs and services. Through her communication efforts, she continues to seek innovative ways to promote the organization’s wide array of support services and programs. She effectively delivers the message that no one has to be alone with cancer. Barbara often interacts with people who have been helped by the organization through surveys, interviews, and reviews posted online. Seeing the impact Support Connection has on people’s lives is not only gratifying but also inspires Barbara as she spreads the word about the organization’s services.
When asked what receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award means to her , Barbara shares, ”Even though I see the work I do every day and understand how important it is, it is gratifying and validating to have it recognized in such a public manner. I know the impact it has on those we serve and that’s what really matters. But it is still lovely to see and hear the kind words from my colleagues and others as a result of getting this award.”
MARIA RUBINO JENNINGS SPIRIT OF CARING AWARDS. Presented in honor and memory of Maria who helped create Support Connection’s Peer Counseling program and other services. Like Maria, the recipients have made a positive difference in many lives through the power of caring. This year there are six recipients.
SUE ANDERSEN (CORTLANDT MANOR, NY): Sue became involved with Support Connection in 2007 when was diagnosed with breast cancer. She participated in the support group for young women with breast and ovarian cancer. Being with women who were going through similar experiences helped her get through her treatments. After experiencing the benefit of support, Sue became a volunteer support group facilitator and continues to do so today. She also volunteers at community outreach events and helps to promote the Annual Support-A-Walk, increasing awareness about Support Connection’s services and programs.
Sue explains what being a facilitator means to her: “I have learned that being a survivor is a gift, along with an obligation to make someone else's journey a little easier by returning all the love and support that was given to me. It is so important to pay it forward. Women need to have a place to go where they are comfortable to talk about cancer. A caring environment where they can laugh, cry, take off their wigs and feel comfortable talking about their fears and their journeys. It's important that women know they are not alone, that they are strong, that they have someone who has their back. I am happy to help in any way I can.”
CARINE CASTRIGNO (BELLEROSE, NY): Carine, a breast cancer survivor, connected with Support Connection in 2008 after her diagnosis. Although a professional counselor, trained to find resources, she wasn’t prepared for the challenges her diagnosis presented. Carine reached out and quickly connected with one of the organization’s Peer Counselors who helped her every step of the way. She wanted to give back to others and offers support to women as the volunteer facilitator of Support Connection’s National Toll Free Advanced Stage Breast Cancer support group.
Carine, in her own words, shares her experience: “This personal journey has brought me on a path I least expected. I was provided with the gift of friendship, support and knowledge. I feel God has enabled me to utilize my professional skills as a counselor to give back by helping others.”
CHRISTINE DANGERS (BREWSTER, NY): Christine, a breast cancer survivor, turned to Support Connection in 2010 after her treatments. When one of the organization’s Peer Counselors answered the phone, Christine knew she found the place she needed to be. Talking to her counselor and attending support groups became a lifeline. Christine wanted to give back. She became a volunteer facilitator in 2017. Christine co-facilitates monthly support groups, is assisting in the development of a new support group and also volunteers for the organization at outreach events and as a Community Ambassador for the Annual Support-A-Walk.
Christine explains why she became a facilitator: “I reached a point where cancer, and all it entails was not an overwhelming, take-over-every-minute-of-the-day terrifying nightmare it once had been. I realized that I was on the other side of it, that I had come through it, and that I was whole again, and very strong. I wanted to be there for other women going through it and help them see that they could do it too. I felt it was time to sit at that table and listen.”
GWEN HARDING-PEETS (STAATSBURG, NY): Gwen, an ovarian cancer survivor, found Support Connection online in 2006, and reached out to connect with other survivors. Along with talking to one of the organization’s Peer Counselors, Gwen also participated in the National Toll-Free Ovarian Cancer support group. Soon after she reached out, Gwen became a volunteer facilitator and continues to do so today. To Gwen, the telephone support group is invaluable. Gwen is also a tremendous resource as she is very involved with ovarian cancer education, sharing information about new advances in treatment.
Gwen speaks about how important the telephone support group and what being it’s facilitator means to her: “So many women with ovarian cancer across the country are isolated, not knowing anyone else that can relate to what they are going through. The telephone support group is a god-send for women who can’t make it to a group meeting because they are too sick, they work and the times don’t work for them, they don’t have transportation, or even more likely – they don’t have a support group that meets anywhere near them. When I was diagnosed, I had my mother to lean on who had about a 3 year head start in dealing with her own diagnosis. By helping to keep the telephone support group alive and well is my way of paying forward for all the support I had ready access to in my early days of dealing with this disease.”
Trish speaks about what she does in her role as a facilitator: “It is important to me for every woman to feel comfortable in expressing her fears, concerns, etc. and know that she is in a safe place. Everyone's case is unique, but we all share the connection of having been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. It's a club no one wants to join! Everyone deals with it in her own way, but I am glad to make myself available for anyone who wants to meet others who have "been there, done that".
PAT JANUARY (PLEASANTVILLE, NY): Pat, an ovarian cancer survivor, became involved with Support Connection in 2007 to participate in the toll-free ovarian cancer support group. She was involved with an organization called ‘Share’ where she met Gwen who recommended the Support Connection support group. Since the group has been so meaningful to Pat, by connecting her with other people experiencing ovarian cancer, she decided to become a co-facilitator. Pat continues to do so, offering support and hope to the people in the group.
Pat talks about what she thinks about Support Connection: “What I think is wonderful about Support Connection is how available support is for women when they are going through such a frightening diagnosis. Talking with someone who has been through a similar diagnosis is so uplifting.”
SPIRIT OF GIVING AWARD. Presented to those who give of themselves in extraordinary ways to further Support Connection’s mission.
ALAN BANDES (CORTLANDT MANOR, NY): Alan became involved with Support Connection in 2009 through his wife, Susan. Alan has been instrumental in helping the organization meet the needs of men, caregivers and partners. He helped Support Connection start the Wing Nite for men who are supporting their partners and spouses and has been the facilitator since its inception in 2014. Alan’s giving doesn’t stop there. He also co-facilitates the Men’s Night Out: For Men Living with Loss and teaches a Tai Chi class for Support Connection. He has recently recorded a guided meditation for their website, serving as a great tool for stress reduction.
Alan explains what motivates him: “I am motivated by the love I shared with Susan. My giving is just a way of thanking all the women of Support Connection for what they gave to us. I do get a lot of satisfaction in helping others when possible. So this is just part of who I am.”
SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARDS: Presented to individuals who offer inspiration to fellow cancer survivors. 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:
ANN BAKER (MAHOPAC, NY): Ann, an ovarian cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014, first connected with Support Connection when a friend invited her to attend a support group. She participates in support groups, attends programs and has a close relationship with her peer counselor. Ann shares her story and experiences so that others can learn about and benefit from Support Connection’s services. Last year, Ann decided to form a team, Ann’s Angels, for Support Connection’s Annual Support-A-Walk. She helped raise over $3,000 for the organization while increasing awareness about their programs and services.
Ann says “Every time I call, the woman at the other end is very friendly and helpful. Support Connection offers many free programs that I have attended. I have stopped by to talk to Andrea and I feel so welcome. Everyone at Support Connection cares about me. They help me forget I have cancer.”
MARY HEAGLE (MOHEGAN LAKE, NY): Mary, a breast cancer survivor, reached out to Support Connection after she was diagnosed in 2006. She participated in support groups, attended wellness and other programs and utilized the peer counseling services. Mary always shares her story and offers encouragement to people dealing with breast and ovarian cancer. In 2018, Mary was one of Support Connection’s Annual Support-A-Walk Ambassadors where her enthusiasm and outreach helped make the Walk a huge success. As a way to give back Mary volunteers and helps out Support Connection any way she can.
Mary says: “While I was dealing with breast cancer, the Peer Counselors gave me and my family an unending supply of support, hope, empathy, strength, love, and kindness. I call them my guardian angels. Along with the many women in my support group, they were lifesaving to me.”
SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY AWARD: Presented to those who demonstrate exceptional generosity and civic responsibility through contributions of time, effort, and resources to Support Connection.
SOUL RYEDERS (RYE, NY): SOUL RYEDERS is a volunteer driven charitable organization established in 2009 in Rye, New York. Their mission is to empower those in their community who are affected by all types of cancer. From diagnosis through treatment, recovery and survivorship, they offer practical resources and nurturing support services that provide dignity, confidence, hope, and compassion. They also award grants to organizations that offer support to people with cancer. Since 2011, SOUL RYEDERS has donated nearly $100,000 to Support Connection. The grants provided to Support Connection helps fund their one-on-one peer counseling and funds their men’s programs. Their assistance has helped Support Connection deliver vital services to women, their families and friends.
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 provided by the popular band Class Action, 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.