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Ava De Castro Lawdanski Earns Girl Scout Gold Award by Advancing Breast Cancer Education and Awareness
Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey proudly recognizes Ava De Castro Lawdanski for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, by developing a comprehensive breast cancer education and awareness program that is already making a meaningful impact in her community.
For her project, Ava focused on increasing awareness around early detection, prevention, and access to resources for patients, caregivers, and the broader community. Through a series of education sessions, outreach efforts, and a large-scale community health and wellness event, she provided critical information and support to those who need it most.
“By educating communities about early detection, we can improve breast cancer survival rates,” Ava shared. “Knowing that I’ve made a difference in the lives of those I worked with is powerful.”
As part of her initiative, Ava created a community Breast Cancer Education Program that covered early detection methods, breast self-exams, and prevention strategies. She expanded the program to include younger audiences by creating an opportunity for Girl Scouts to earn a Breast Cancer Awareness patch, helping introduce these important topics in an age-appropriate and meaningful way.
A key component of her project was securing a Mammography in Motion Mobile Unit, the first of its kind in her community. Through grant funding and partnerships, the mobile unit provided on-site mammography screenings to both insured and uninsured participants—helping remove barriers to early detection and care.
To ensure her project would have a lasting impact, Ava established partnerships with organizations including University Hospital, the Rutgers Cancer Institute, and Minette’s Angels Foundation. She also collaborated with local and state leaders, as well as medical and health educators, to continue delivering education, outreach, and resources beyond the completion of her project.
Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, with 1 in 8 women expected to receive a diagnosis in their lifetime. Ava’s work directly addresses this critical issue by increasing awareness, expanding access to screenings, and empowering individuals with knowledge that can save lives.
“Girl Scouts means I have a community of mentors, sisters, and collaborators that know what it is like to work on a project that makes a great impact on a community,” Ava said. “I have found my voice and learned I can accomplish anything I set my mind to with hard work and determination.”
The Girl Scout Gold Award challenges girls to identify issues they care about and take action to create sustainable solutions. Through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to service, Ava De Castro Lawdanski has done just that—creating a program that will continue to educate, support, and save lives for years to come.
April 03, 2026
