DEBBIE SCHERRER
LAURA MARKOWSKI
Support Connection, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides free and unlimited support services to those impacted by breast, ovarian, and other gynecological cancers, has announced the recipients of their 2025 Spirit Awards. The award presentation will take place during Support Connection’s Spirit Awards Brunch on Sunday, March 30, at The Briarcliff Manor in Briarcliff Manor, 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 Spirit Award recipients are:
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.
ANDREA DELLA MURA (RYE BROOK, NY): Andrea Della Mura’s relationship with Support Connection spans back to the organization’s founding. At only 24 years old, Andrea was diagnosed with breast cancer. Support Connection founder, Nancy Heller, invited Andrea to be a speaker at the organization’s first awareness walk for breast and ovarian cancer. Not long after the Walk, Andrea became one of Support Connection’s first support group facilitators providing a safe and welcoming environment for support group participants to share information, experiences, and support. The training that Andrea received as a support group facilitator has never left her. Andrea went on to survive breast cancer a second time at the age of 39. She continues to live her life in service to others and now she’s putting all of her experience and compassionate energy into fostering a warm, empathetic environment at her business The DRIPBaR in Rye.
Andrea reflects on her journey with Support Connection: “Telling my story about being a young 24-year-old diagnosed with breast cancer has a profound impact on most people. Cancer has been a part of my life for over 30 years and so has Support Connection. This community of caring and loving individuals provided me with emotional and social support throughout my long journey and I am truly grateful!”
MARIA RUBINO JENNINGS SPIRIT OF CARING AWARD: Presented in honor and memory of Maria Rubino Jennings 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.
SARA SOMERVILLE (OSSINING, NY): When Sara Somerville was first diagnosed with breast cancer twenty years ago the first call she made was to Support Connection. The breast cancer support group she joined, led by Maria Rubino Jennings, became a lifeline for her on her cancer journey. Sara found being a member of a Support Connection support group an invaluable experience and appreciated the opportunities the group gave her to connect with other women who knew what it was like to be going through cancer. In 2022, Sara made the decision to become a support group facilitator herself to be able to help other women along their cancer journey.
Sara explains what being a facilitator means to her: I’ve had the honor of co-facilitating workshops for Support Connection – an opportunity to give back, just a little bit, of what I gained from that group experience. To be honored with a Spirit of Caring Award in the name of Maria means the world to me. I feel like I’m sharing this honor with her. It’s almost as if things have come round full circle.”
THE DOLLY & 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 loyal volunteers Dolly and Mike always did.
DEBBIE SCHERRER (YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY): Debbie Scherrer has been a dedicated Support Connection volunteer since 2017. After losing a dear friend to ovarian cancer, Debbie got involved with Support Connection to help the organization make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast, ovarian, and other gynecological cancers. Over the years Debbie has served on multiple fundraising event committees that have helped Support Connection in raising thousands of dollars to support their free programs and services. Debbie regularly volunteers at Support Connection’s upscale resale shop Fantastic Finds in Chappaqua, accepting donations and taking extra care to help customers find exactly what they are looking for.
Debbie shares the impact that volunteering for Support Connection has made on her life: “Volunteering for this wonderful organization has truly given me a rewarding experience. I am so grateful to the Support Connection staff for honoring me in this way and thankful for their help and support over the years.”
THE JULIE HANEY SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD: This award is presented in honor and memory of Julie Haney, 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.
LAURA MARKOWSKI (SOMERS, NY): Laura Markowski turned to Support Connection’s counselors after being diagnosed with breast cancer when she felt that she needed guidance, understanding, and hope from people who had been in her shoes. Laura found that speaking with someone who could truly understand what she was going through helped her along her cancer journey. When presented with the opportunity to speak at a fundraising event to benefit Support Connection, Laura gave a powerful speech in which she shared her story and information about breast cancer and the role genetic testing can play in saving lives. Laura’s inspiring speech raised awareness and helped raise thousands of dollars for Support Connection’s counseling program.
Laura describes how it feels to be honored with a Spirit of Hope Award: “Being honored with the Julie Haney Spirit of Hope Award is deeply meaningful to me. It reflects the resilience and hope I found through Support Connection and the incredible strength we can all draw from one another. I am profoundly grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to be part of such a compassionate and empowering community.”
THE 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.
MARIO MANCINI (SOMERS, NY): Mario Mancini has been one of Support Connection’s greatest cheerleaders since he opened A&S Fine Foods Jefferson Valley in 1998. Mario has embraced Support Connection’s mission and has gone above and beyond to spread the word and to donate. Mario always goes the extra mile to raise awareness by making his customers aware of Support Connection’s services and inviting many community groups including Support Connection to table outside his store.
Mario shares what drives him to uplift Support Connection’s mission: “Through the years many women in my family and others close to me have had breast cancer. This is one of the toughest things anyone can go through. I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t know someone who has been touched by cancer. I am happy to show my support to those going through cancer and organizations offering support or working on finding a cure.”
Proceeds from the Spirit Awards Brunch will help fund Support Connection’s free and unlimited breast, ovarian, and gynecological cancer support services and programs. In addition to the award presentation, the event will include brunch, a mimosa bar, fundraising activities, and a performance by world renowned violinist Daisy Jopling.
Support Connection is grateful to their event sponsors New-York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, M&T Bank, Club Fit, The Foley Group, The Petroccione Family, TF Cornerstone, Northwell Health – Northern Westchester Hospital, Advanced Office Technology, and Unique Designs Corporate Gifting.
To find out more about the Spirit Awards Brunch visit www.supportconnection.org/spirit-awards.
