Locust Valley High School incoming senior Gianna Palleschi is bringing love, hope and care to breast cancer patients with her charity Pink Pom Pom.
Palleschi was inspired by her mother, a breast surgeon, to brighten the days of patients going through treatment by sending them pink boxes with items such as candles, socks, notepads, pens, bath salts, shower salts, hand lotions, tumblers and inspirational note cards along with a signature pink pom pom keychain.
“I wanted to do my part in helping them navigate their journeys,” Palleschi said. Through calls to her mother’s patients, Palleschi got an understanding of the daunting situation they face and realized that the boxes that she would send should lift their spirits as they battle. The Pink Pom Pom name came from the idea of cheering on cancer patients while also using the color for breast cancer awareness.
In June, Palleschi was named a recipient of the 2023 Nassau County District Attorney SHIELD Award. The SHIELD program highlights high school juniors that display service, honesty, integrity, excellence and leadership to better their community. Palleschi met with Attorney General Anne T. Donnelly during a ceremony on June 27.
Palleschi was also invited to talk about Pink Pom Pom at the Bunchful Future of Philanthropy Summit in September 2022 in New York City. There, Palleschi got to speak to other young philanthropists about how to continue bettering their communities.
Recently, Palleschi donated 15 Pink Pom Pom boxes to the Manhasset Women’s Breast Cancer Coalition and she hopes to continue expanding the program during her senior year. “Every little action can make a difference to patients,” Palleschi says.