Cal-Mum Girl Scout Troop 1088 is working to raise awareness about breast cancer, not only among adult women, but among young girls their own age.

   In working toward completing the bronze award, the young Brownies teamed up with a community group, Friends of Dana Pettis, to host a breast cancer awareness breakfast in Caledonia. Pettis’ daughter is a member of the Brownie troop. She is open about her illness and wants young girls, even as young as eight-year old Brownies, to learn about the disease and the importance of regular screenings. She says the girls are interested and want to have their questions answered.

   "I’ve been open with my own daughter and the Brownies, with age appropriate information," Pettis explained.

   The girls handled the organizational details all on their own. They wanted to hold the breakfast at First Presbyterian Church in Caledonia, Pettis’ home church. Each of them volunteered for a specific job on the day of the breakfast; everything from manning a table with free information about breast cancer to cleaning off the tables between sittings. The girls enlisted help from friends in the community and collected donations to create raffle gift baskets. A Cal-Mum Boy Scout troop learned about the breakfast and donated the sausage for the breakfast and lent their assistance on the day of the event. It was a very successful event in that 100 people came out to enjoy the great breakfast and learn about this disease that is the most common of all cancers among women.

   The girl scouts also learned a lot about a disease that is probably mostly discussed among women three times their young age. Troop leader Brandi Spezzano said she and her co-leader, Carrie Jeffery, thought it was important for the girls to gain an understanding of what Pettis would be going through during her treatment period, so they could better support their friend in the troop and overcome their questions and anxieties. Pettis’ oncology nurse will be attending a Brownie meeting to instruct the girls on breast self-examination and using silicone simulated breasts will show them what a suspicious lump feels like.

   Pettis says it’s important for women to perform regular breast self examinations and to get annual screenings. She says the community’s support has helped through the treatment period.

   "The breakfast was great and the community support really helps. The Brownie moms have become my best friends," Pettis remarked.