SCVTHS Student Promotes Cancer Awareness at Somerset County 4-H Fair

BRIDGEWATERNJ - Though the Somerset County 4-H Fair was only open for one day earlier this month due to inclement weather, a local student made the most of her time to share a message of hope with attendees.

Vaanya Salwan, a rising Senior in the Academy for Health and Medical Sciences at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS), gave a presentation about cancer to an audience gathered under the Somerset County Government tent at the Fair.

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The presentation was created to help educate people about the stages of cancer, ways to prevent it, symptoms to look out for, and new methods of treatment. She hopes that her work will not only inform but will also bring attention to cancer research and treatment options available to those who are fighting the disease. Vaanya’s motivation for her work at the Fair is fairly straightforward. “My presentation was created to raise awareness and hear stories about people who have experienced cancer or know someone who has gone through the battle” she said.

The centerpiece of the presentation was a display that provided information on several areas of cancer education. Details on treatment options, such as bone marrow transplants and gene therapies, as well as an explanation of the various ribbons people can wear to support people fighting different forms of cancer, were highlighted. She also provided an activity for kids – and some adults – that allowed them to create buttons that they could wear to show their support.

The outreach conducted at the Fair is part of a club that Saiwan began with fellow SCVTHS students Jessy Dong and Chaitanyaa Vyas. The club, Health Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE), not only brings information to residents of the Somerset County community, but also looks to provide health care related education to rural communities throughout the world. In addition to their work locally and at SCVTHS, the club has held virtual meetings with students in Maharashtra, India, to discuss health-related topics, and looks forward to continuing their work throughout the coming year.

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