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A Very Special CARES Friend

by Jami Abell Patterson

     CARES would like to thank Hannah Mandel for all her work on behalf of CAH.             Hannah learned that her friend and soccer teammate Sarah Venit was affected by NCAH after Sarah sold Every1CARES bracelets to her team.  Taken by Sarah’s courage, Hannah decided early on that it was a cause she felt she needed and wanted to undertake.     

Hannah was studying for her Bat Mitzvah and had already identified a project she wanted to do for her Mitzvah project.  She decided midstream  to go  to her Rabbi and explain that she wanted to change her project to raise awareness and funds for the CARES Foundation.

      Hannah wrote a speech, after doing  research, that she presented to the entire Religious School community at Leo Baeck Temple in Los Angeles.  After the speech, she sold whatever bracelets she had on hand and then took orders for more. Hannah also read her speech in each of her classes at school.  She sold bracelets to our clergy, temple members, family and friends and still continues today.

      Most important to Hannah was the need to educate everyone about the disease and how important early screening and research is. At the end of the religious school year, the 7th grade class decided to put on a Mitzvah Fair. Hannah decided that she wanted to come up with something that would draw a lot of attention (and money). She put together a pie throwing booth, which she decorated with pamphlets and bracelets, and asked our clergy and our director of education to allow the kids to throw pies at them. They all agreed and, needless to say, Hannah's booth was the most popular. At the end of the day, all the tokens were tallied, and she raised the most money, $100 for CARES Foundation. On her own, Hannah has sold over 200 bracelets, using another 100 as napkin rings at her Bat Mitzvah.

      After speaking with Kelly, it was decided that this is the best way to honor and thank Hannah for her dedication to the CARES Foundation.  For a child to become so dedicated to a cause without being affected is rare, a true testament to Hannah's character.  Perhaps after reading this article, others will be inspired by her enthusiasm and dedication to raising awareness for CAH and CARES. 

      Hannah, on behalf of everyone at CARES Foundation, thank you.

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