Spirit Awards Brunch
Our 2026 Spirit Awards Brunch will be at The Briarcliff Manor on Sunday, April 19 starting at 11:00 am. It will be a beautiful day with brunch, a mimosa bar, and amazing raffles and silent auction prizes, and live jazz music by the Riverton Quartet
We hope you can join us! Proceeds from the event help fund our free and confidential breast, ovarian, and other gynecological cancer support services and programs.
Please feel free to contact us should you need more information: 914-962-6402 or info@supportconnection.org.
2026 Digital Journal
We are excited to present our Spirit Awards Brunch Digital Journal. You’ll see tributes to our honorees, thanks to sponsors and supporters, and inspiring messages that reflect the positive impact that we have on the lives of those dealing with breast, ovarian, or other gynecological cancers.
Click the arrows below to scroll through the pages.
We are excited to present our Annual Spirit Awards to very special honorees:
The Andrea Karl Amazing Grace Award
This award is presented in honor and memory of Andrea Karl, a Peer Counselor at Support Connection for 16 years. This award is presented to the person dealing with cancer who has faced challenges and through support, uncovered strength and hope along their cancer journey.
2026 Honoree: Lisa Olmos
The Maria Rubino Jennings Spirit of Caring Award
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 recipients have made a positive difference in many lives through the power of caring.
2026 Honoree: Marcie Kaplan
The Dolly and Mike Acocella Spirit of Giving Award
This award is presented to those who are an inspiration to others and clearly demonstrate what it means to give of oneself. They are people who help Support Connection help others by giving wholeheartedly through volunteering and promoting our mission, as Dolly and Mike always did.
2026 Honoree: Ilene Cohen
The Julie Haney Spirit of Hope Award
This award is presented in honor and memory of Julie, who found the support she needed from our Peer Counselors. Julie exuded hope and was a bright light to all who knew her. This award is given to individuals who appreciate that, with support, they can face their challenges and move forward with hope in their heart. Their positive and caring attitude encourages and inspires others.
2026 Honorees: Elisabeth Tyler de Vries & Diane Usen
