Rome Reporter

October marks the change of seasons, pumpkin everything, and for the second and third grade students who are members of Summit Hill Elementary's (SHE) Kindness Club, a time to support Breast Cancer Awareness in a special way. Students in the club wanted to create a special way to honor, support, and encourage patients going through breast cancer treatment in the Atlanta community. The students decided to design mantra wall hangings for the patients at Northside Hospital's Cancer Institute featuring words of encouragement and support for patients going through treatment.A group of children in a circle

Summit Hill Elementary Principal Dr. Lorrie Bearden also understands the significance of supporting this important cause.

"I am passionate about raising awareness regarding breast cancer research because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and many of our SHE families have loved ones diagnosed with breast cancer," said Bearden. "It is important that we share our stories about living with cancer and find ways to support those who are currently battling cancer as well as their family members, especially children. When we share our stories and experiences, we also share empathy, support, and understanding."

For the students in SHE's Kindness Club, the reasons they created these wall hangings highlight this type of empathy. Harper S., a third-grade member of the club said, "I think it will help breast cancer patients to believe in themselves that they can do anything and help them not to feel so worried." Evelyn V., also a third-grade member of the club explained, "People in the hospital with breast cancer feel stressed and might think 'I don't want to go through this,' but whenever they see what we made them they will know that there are people out there cheering for them to get better."

Advanced Strategies Lab Instructor Mrs. Debra Leeson is the sponsor of the Kindness Club. She said she was excited to give the students' Mantra Wall Hangings to Carol Kratochvil, manager of Volunteer Services at Northside Hospital.

"It means so much to the students in the Kindness Club to do something for people in the community who are in need of some kindness and care," said Leeson.

"The wall hangings will be given to patients in the Women's Surgical Center and the Infusion Center at Northside Hospital, where patients spend the week getting treatment," Kratochvil said. "It is important for patients to know that it is not just family and friends supporting them but that we are all interconnected. For students, this work may open up avenues to their future."

Original source can be found here.