In June, Becky Gall-Piorek and her sixth-grade students from Assumption Catholic School in Fairfield left their hand-painted rocks in Smilow’s Healing Garden to inspire patients and their loved ones.
Every year, Becky Gall-Piorek coordinates a community service project at Assumption Catholic School in Fairfield. For years she’s helped her sixth-grade students raise funds for cancer research.
Last fall the class project became a personal one.
In June 2024, Gall-Piorek was diagnosed with Stage 1 uterine cancer and Stage 1C2 ovarian cancer. She was immediately referred to Yale New Haven Health gynecologic oncologist Katyayani Papatla, MD, assistant professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine (YSM).
In July Gall-Piorek had a complete hysterectomy with removal of her omentum and 10 lymph nodes; she also underwent six rounds of chemotherapy. The treatment regimen was physically and emotionally exhausting, but the outcome is a positive one.
When she returned to the classroom, the community service project was on her mind. During treatment, Gall-Piorek had spent time in Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Healing Garden, which includes a selection of hand-painted rocks with messages of encouragement and kindness. She kept a rock with the message “Keep going” throughout her cancer journey and it sparked the idea for a student project.
“The students loved the idea of painting rocks, especially knowing that patients might take one to inspire and help them – as it did for me,” she said.
Gall-Piorek also invited Ruth Ann Ornstein, program manager of the Peter E. Schwartz Discovery to Cure program at YSM, to talk to her class about ovarian cancer and treatments, Smilow and the Healing Garden.
“My students walked away knowing that cancer isn’t an automatic death sentence – that many people survive it. That made them feel better about family members and loved ones who may also be on their own cancer journeys,” Gall-Piorek said. “They also learned that if you or anyone you know doesn't feel right, go to the doctor and get checked out!”
This past June Gall-Piorek arranged a special field trip to Smilow, where students left their hand-painted rocks in the Healing Garden.
“We wanted patients to know that there are people who are thinking about them and rooting for them,” said student Annabella.
“My message – Be brave — is meant to give patients courage and motivation to keep fighting,” said another student, Mateo. “This project meant a lot to me because my grandfather is battling cancer. I hope my rock will make someone smile when they see it.”
Added student Elley, “This opened our minds and hearts and put us in their shoes – to feel a little what it must be like to have cancer and be afraid. There’s not a lot you can do as a sixth-grader. If we can give patients strength and help them feel that they aren’t alone, that’s a good thing.”
As a teacher, seeing students experience those moments of introspection is meaningful, said Gall-Piorek. “As a cancer survivor, I know how much small acts of kindness matter. I’m thrilled that my students had the opportunity to make a difference for others, and to see the impact of their compassion.”
Giving back to Smilow Cancer Hospital was important to Gall-Piorek. “My care at Smilow was the best I could have hoped for. Everyone I met made me feel seen, valued and cared for. While I never would have chosen this experience, I am deeply grateful that when I put my life in their hands, they cared for it as if it truly mattered—because it did.”
