By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Marlborough – The Girl Scout motto, “Be prepared,” is explained in the organization’s 1947 handbook: “A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever she is needed. Willingness to serve is not enough; you must know how to do the job well, even in an emergency.” That mission still inspires individuals who were leaders, parents and members of Marlborough Girl Scout Troop 72834 up to 2010. Now, they’re prepared to collectively help a friend in need of assistance.
Sharon Swanson served as co-leader of that Girl Scout troop and a parent volunteer at schools while employed as a social worker. After visiting her doctor for over a year with unresolved pain and breathing problems, she decided to get a second opinion in September 2016 and was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, which has spread to her brain and spine. She needed to stop working when her medical treatment began at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
A fundraiser titled “Showing the Love for Sharon” to help defray her medical expenses is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 28, 7 to 11 p.m., at the Marlborough Moose Family Center 1129. Spearheading the fundraiser are Carol Harris and Laura Wilner, who were Girl Scout Troop 72834 co-leaders with Swanson.
A registered nurse, Wilner expressed devastation for Swanson as well as her husband and two young adult children.
“Sharon was struggling with symptoms and without a diagnosis for quite a while,” Wilner said. “She had been working with the pain right up to getting diagnosed.”
Daughters of Wilner and Swanson progressed together in Girl Scouts from kindergarten through 12th grade. After graduating from Marlborough High School (MHS) in 2010, they both attended Boston University and were roommates.
“Sharon put together care packages for them during their college years,” Wilner recalled. “Our daughters’ friends from all over became friends with Sharon. One of them is flying from Chicago for the fundraiser. Sharon makes a very positive impression on everyone she touches.”
Their daughters also attended Marlborough public schools together. Swanson served as a parent volunteer at Richer Elementary School, MHS Drama Club and Marlborough Public Schools Music Association.
“Even after the girls graduated from college, all of the Girl Scouts’ parents have stayed in close touch, as have our daughters,” Wilner noted. “It’s really been a big impact for all of us.”
Organizing the fundraiser was simplified by that longtime bond among mothers, fathers, leaders and members of the Girl Scout troop. They’ve been joined by schoolmates of Swanson’s children. Everyone is volunteering to increase net proceeds for the cause. They include live musical entertainers The Moscas and Bob Terrasi, and deejay Scott Harris of Running Sound. The event will be catered by Travelin’ Bones Low & Slow Barbecue with its owner Judd Cohen donating his time. Organizers are grateful that the Marlborough Moose donated its facility for the night.
“Our expenses are very low,” Wilner noted. “We want all of the money to go to Sharon.”
In addition to food, music and dancing, the event will include 50/50, balloon and basket raffles. Among the raffle items are an original painting; handmade quilts; gift certificates for the Ninety-Nine Restaurant & Pub, Outback Steakhouse and Chill Kitchen and Bar; and gift baskets with themes ranging from wine and cheese to the New England Patriots.
“We’re hopeful that Sharon and her husband Joel will be able to attend, so they can feel all the love for them,” Wilner said. “Sharon often worked with girls and young women as a social worker, so our Girl Scouts really benefitted from her professional experience and natural talent.”
Tickets are $30 per person. Cash bar will be available. Advance reservations are recommended and tickets will be available at the door. Contact Laura Wilner at 508-380-5233, [email protected], or Carol Harris at 508-341-0087, [email protected].