‘Women who make a difference’ honored in the Valley in cancer fundraiser

Whether they’ve spent decades dedicated to coaching youth sports or volunteering their time to raise money for those struggling with a cancer diagnosis, the six women selected by the Valley Women’s Health Initiative this year have truly made a difference.

The Valley Women's Health Initiative will honor women from Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton at its 17th Annual “Women Making a Difference in the Valley” Tribute Luncheon and Breast Cancer Fundraiser from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive, Seymour.

Tickets are $40 per person and must be reserved by Sept. 28. Proceeds will benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund. Established in 2001, the fund is an effort to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

The annual tribute recognizes outstanding women who’ve made positive contributions to the community, in both their professional and volunteer lives, according to co-chairs Kate Cosgrove and Dr. Stephanie Wain.

This year’s honorees are: Jodi Dawley, of Shelton, Donna Hayes, of Derby, Tammy Link, of Ansonia, Sheryl Riley, of Shelton; Karen Spargo, of Seymour, and Dawn Supranovich, of Seymour. Liz Kennard of Comcast will host this year’s event.

Dawley, a three-year breast cancer survivor, whose mom is a two-time breast cancer survivor, is co-chair of The Valley Goes Pink breast cancer awareness initiative. She volunteers her time to doing “whatever possible” to help contribute to higher cancer survival rates in Connecticut. She is thrilled to have been selected as one of this year’s recipients.

“I believe it is important for women to be appreciated by other women and know that their time and efforts don't go unnoticed,” said Dawley.

Dawley, a full-time realtor, speaks at schools about the importance of volunteering, helping inspire the younger generation to get involved.

Another recipient, Supranovich, is also no stranger to volunteerism and inspiring today’s youth.

“As a volunteer you always try to do what you can to help the community, but to be nominated for this very prestigious award is an amazing feeling,” Supranovich said.

As vice presidentof the George J. Hummel Little League in Seymour, Supranovich just finished her 30th year coaching youth softball. She is co-founder and coach of Seymour Tradition travel softball program which helps organize the annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K for Seymour Pink.

Supranovich, who works full time as the dining services manager for the United Methodist Homes in Shelton, was honored to be among such good company.

“All of these recipients spend lots of their time adding value to the lives in the communities they serve, their contributions are remarkable and it is so important to celebrate them,” she said.

Hayes is a social worker at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital; Link is employed by Lowe’s; Riley, RCN, OCN, CMCN, is director of Care Management at Caris Health and Spargo recently retired after 20 years as director of the Naugatuck Valley Health District.

For tickets or to make a donation, call 203-734-6945, email nvbv1952@gmail.com or send mail to N. Valentine, 18 Farrell Drive, Ansonia, CT 06401. To become a sponsor of the event or to place an ad in the program, call 203-233-7639 or email dott.g@comcast.net.

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is a coalition of health agencies, community leaders and volunteers from the Valley community working toward the common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues including breast cancer awareness and heart disease.

To join or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/VWHI.