Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) recently met with Girl Scout Troop 1701 of Middletown, N.J. to discuss its unique project and YouTube video promoting mammograms for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

    The five fifth-graders from Nut Swamp Elementary School, each of whom has been touched by someone in their life who has had breast cancer, discussed their recently launched campaign, “Do It for Your Daughter,” an initiative to urge moms to get mammograms. As part of the campaign, the girls filmed a short public service announcement, which is being carried by multiple news channels across the New Jersey and New York metropolitan area. The video can be viewed by clicking here, and their appearance on Good Day NY can be viewed here.

    The girls have already heard from dozens of mothers—and others—across the country who have scheduled their mammograms after seeing the PSA, and the American Cancer Society has asked to join the girls on the initiative. They recently held a “Jam for the Exam” event on May 10, a dance and community fair featuring information on mammograms as well as health screenings.

    Congressman Smith also signed the girl’s “Do it for your Daughter” banner in support of the goal of obtaining one thousand signatures—men and woman—advocating mammograms and early screening.

    Following the meeting with Congressman Smith, the group was taken on a tour of the U.S. Capitol, including a visit to the gallery of the House of Representatives. They also had a brief visit with actor Sean Penn, who was appearing as a witness before Congressman Smith’s subcommittee hearing on human rights in Bolivia.

    Pictured above (left to right) are Lynette Silvestri, Francesca Poznanski, Morgan Fuerbacher, Karen Fuerbacher, Joyce Falotico, Jeanette Falotico, Adriana Poznanski, Michelle Coyotl Varela, Congressman Smith, Dorianne Hennessy, and Jacqueline Hennessy.

    Smith, a senior member of Congress, represents large parts of Monmouth County, as well as large areas of Mercer and Ocean counties. He is the Dean of the New Jersey Delegation, and chairs several panels that deal with human rights, global health and other issues.