Stronger Than Cancer Fundraiser

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

As a part of her three-point platform, CTKG Megan is focused on helping people who have cancer. One of her platform goals is to lift the spirits of cancer patients by providing entertainers who can visit them in hospitals here in Connecticut. Laughter is the best medicine, and magicians, comedians, clowns, puppeteers, and ventriloquists are just a few of the people who can help entertain children with cancer!

To help reach her goal, Megan is hosting the Stronger Than Cancer Fundraiser now until May 18, 2018. Schools across Connecticut are encouraged to hold a Stronger Than Cancer Hat Day on May 18th to help raise $1,000 to hire entertainers to cheer up children at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven and Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford. On Hat Day, every student or teacher who brings in $1 or more will be able to wear a hat that day and will receive an official Stronger Than Cancer wristband.

For schools that choose to participate in Hat Day this Friday, you can use the Stronger Than Cancer Hat Day Planning Worksheet to help plan and organize your event. Schools that participate will receive a "shout out" here on the blog from Megan! Make sure to email Megan at CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org with pictures and to tell her how your fundraiser went!

Adults and community members can participate in the fundraiser too! You can text "CTKGMEGAN" to 1-844-544-7171 or donate on GiveLively! Those who donate $2 or more will be eligible to receive an official Stronger Than Cancer wristband.

No matter how big or small the amount, every penny helps! Remember that everyone has a voice and together we are stronger than cancer!

You can watch Megan's Stronger Than Cancer video below. 

An Interview with Brian Willinsky

Hello, it is the 2018 CT Kid Governor, Megan Kasperowski!

The other day I had an interview with Brian Willinsky who grew up in my town of Portland. His mother passed away from ovarian cancer about 4 years ago. Each year he and his team work to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. When they reach their goal they walk a marathon along the path of the Boston Marathon. 

During this interview, I asked him if he had any advice for children trying to raise money for cancer research. He said that the main thing he usually sees is children selling candy bars, or having some smaller fundraisers. No matter how big or small the amount, every penny helps with all of the research being done to try and cure this terrible disease. So don’t think you are ever too young to help and make a difference. Remember EVERYONE has a voice, so don’t be afraid to use it! 

Brian also said that, “There is good research going on about it, but there is a lot more that can be done. And it can help to save more women's lives and give them better treatment and better options.” I know he is appreciative of everyone who is helping. 

What have you done to help a problem in your community? I would love to hear from you on what you are doing to make a difference in this world! 

Make sure to check back here for new blog posts. Feel free to email me with any questions or comments at: CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org. 

 And remember, together we are stronger than cancer!

Connecticut Kid Governor,


Megan Kasperowski

You can watch Megan's interview with Brian below: 

Opening Day the the State Capitol

On February 7, 2018, my mom, grandmother, Mr. Cofrancesco (who runs the Connecticut Kid Governor Program) and I went to Opening Day for the state legislature (known as the General Assembly) at the Capitol! I was very excited to be a part of this special day in Connecticut's Government! Once we got there we went to the Republican Breakfast. I met Art Linares (my state senator), Debra Adams (Art Linares' aide), and many other Connecticut Republicans. After that, Art Linares took us on a tour around the Capitol. We saw the senate chamber, where Governor Malloy gives the State of the State address, a few offices, and many other beautiful rooms.

Me with the Genius of Connecticut!

A little while later, we went back to the senate chamber where all of the senators sit at desks in a circle. This makes talking easier for them. There, they adopted resolutions and all the senators each had a chance to thank Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, who oversees the Senate, because this is her last year. The senators also have a chance to introduce guests they brought with them. I was Art Linares' guest. When he introduced me, he told them who I was and they all gave me a standing ovation! This was amazing! 

I got the chance to sit in the "Wishing Chair" where the Lieutenant Governor sits in the Senate with Senator Linares.

After that, we all went to the State of the State address where Governor Malloy gave his final speech on what the state government will be doing this year. This day was very special and I will never forget it! You can watch the Opening Session below and skip to 34:00 to see Senator Linares introduce me!

After the State of the State address, I got to meet Governor Malloy! It was a surprise and very nice to get to talk with the Governor of Connecticut. I hope I get to speak with him again soon!

Me meeting with Governor Dannel Malloy

Do you know who your state senator is? You can find out here! Make sure to check back in on CT.KidGovernor.org for more blog posts and other information! Feel free to email me with any questions or comments at: CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org.

I got the chance to speak with my state representative, Christie Carpino, and my state senator, Art Linares. They presented me with a special citation from the General Assembly! 

And remember: Together we are stronger than cancer!

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

Teachers and students can visit the Teacher and Class Resource Page for more on how to find out who your legislators are. Make sure to check out Lesson 1 in the Toolkit for Classes for materials on the three branches of state government!

A Message from Connecticut's Kid Governor Megan Kasperowski

Hello, My name is Megan! I am very excited to be elected the 2018 Kid Governor! I have a campaign where I am going try to lift the spirits and save lives for the many people fighting cancer, and I need your help!

Megan on her Inauguration Day in the Senate Chamber at Connecticut's Old State House.

I have a three point plan. My first step is to create a video of both kids and adults who either have or have had cancer. I want to do this to inform you and your classmates about how hard it is to go through cancer. Throughout the year you will hear more about the other parts of my plan on the “Stronger Than Cancer: Lifting Spirits and Changing Lives” blog. So make sure to check back here to hear more about my plan!

Megan with students from CREC Discovery Academy writing letters to those with cancer. 

I am excited to get to work and to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Please feel free to share any ideas you have at:CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org. 

You can learn more about my term at  CT.KidGovernor.org/ctkg-megan!

 Please check back for new blog posts!

-Megan