Spirit Awards Brunch
Our 2024 Spirit Awards Brunch will be at The Briarcliff Manor on Sunday, April 7 starting at 11:30 am. It will be a beautiful day with brunch, mimosa bar, music by world renowned violinist Daisy Jopling, raffles and silent auction.
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
2024 Digital Journal
We are excited to present our Journal. You’ll see tributes to our honorees, thanks to sponsors and supporters, and inspiring messages that reflect the impact we have.
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.
2024 Honoree: Linda Levin
“Being a part of the Support Connection community for over 20 years has been an honor, joy, and blessing. I am grateful to be supported by a community of people seeking to support those going through such a difficult phase. When I found out I was receiving the Andrea Karl Amazing Grace Award I was truly touched as Andrea’s spirit has motivated me to grow and live my life to the fullest. It seems contradictory to be given an award for this, but my hope is that others can learn, grow, and thrive because though each person’s story is unique, there is so much we have in common.” – Linda Levin
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.
2024 Honoree: Betty Ross
“I am honored to be receiving the Maria Rubino Jennings Spirit of Caring Award. Support Connection was there for me when I needed them and it became clear to me that I wanted to give back in the way I knew how to give. For me that way is by teaching others how to move with ease in order to breathe more deeply, in order to make more space inside themselves, and to feel more calm and feel more alive. It is with much gratitude for Support Connection that I am accepting this honor.” – Betty Ross
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.
2024 Honoree: Margherita Eccleston
“I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to be named a recipient of the Dolly & Mike Acocella Spirit of Giving Award. It is truly humbling to be recognized for my dedication and efforts in supporting this organization, that holds such a special place in my heart. Giving back to the community and making a positive impact has always been a passion of mine, and receiving this award is a testament to the meaningful work we have accomplished together. I am inspired by the incredible individuals I have had the privilege to work alongside, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the important mission of Support Connection. Thank you for this tremendous honor.” – Margherita Eccleston
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.
2024 Honoree: Vicki Schier
Support Connection is proud to honor Vicki Schier with the Julie Haney Spirit of Hope Award. Like Julie Haney, Vicki believes in the power of hope and the value in the support services and programs we offer. Vicki has taken the support that she received from participating in our programs and support groups and now looks to support others by sharing her story and helping others along their cancer journey. Support Connection is grateful to have a supporter like Vicki who looks to empower others in our community to reach out for help.
Spirit of Community Award
This award is presented to individuals or organizations whose efforts and actions make a huge difference to Support Connection and the community.
2024 Honorees: Mary Devine & Violeta Shala-Guerrero
“I was introduced to Support Connection more than 10 years ago and have felt connected to this organization, this mission to help individuals and families who have a loved one diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer ever since. I have worked to create awareness & raise money and that is the easy part. Your team of employees, your caring counselors who offer support, advice, education and make a difference are truly remarkable. I am very honored and humbled to receive the Spirit of Community Award and hope to continue helping with your mission.” – Mary Devine
“Support Connection’s remarkable work in the realm of breast and ovarian cancer is truly commendable. Their dedication to providing support, resources, and assistance to individuals facing these challenges is a beacon of hope. Witnessing the positive impact, they’ve had on countless lives instills a sense of admiration and reinforces the importance of organizations like Support Connection in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. The organization’s dedication to providing resources and assistance resonates with our values of making a positive difference in the lives of individuals facing health challenges. Supporting initiatives that contribute to the well-being of our community reflects M&T’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing significant health issues like breast and ovarian cancer. Being honored with Spirit of Community Award is truly a humbling experience, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the recognition. Knowing that our contributions have made a positive impact on such an important cause inspires me to continue supporting their efforts in the fight against cancer.” – Violeta Shala-Guerrero