Girls Scouts present Gift of Caring

From Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming

Local Girl Scouts from several troops made a special delivery Monday, presenting cases of the famous Girl Scout cookies to the Hi-Line Sletten Cancer Center in Havre.

Armed with 360 boxes of Thin Mints and other varieties, Girl Scouts from multiple troops brought the cookies for cancer survivors.

During Girl Scout cookie season, customers had the option to buy cookies for others through the Girl Scout Gift of Caring program. This allows customers to support Girl Scouts while sharing the goodness of Girl Scout cookies with others.

For several years, Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming has selected cancer centers and Relay for Life events throughout Montana and Wyoming to share in the program. While many enjoy the tastiness of Thin Mints, there is medical evidence that suggests mint can be a helpful tool for cancer patients.

Nausea is one of the most common complaints of cancer patients, with up to 70 percent saying they experience it at some point during treatment or prior to it. Peppermint is cooling and may help stop spasms in the gastrointestinal tract or override feelings of nausea for some.

Patients undergoing cancer treatment can also experience dysgeusia, a change in the sense of taste. Some foods may taste different than they did in the past, specifically, bitter, sweet and salty foods may taste different. Some people may have a metallic or chemical taste in their mouth and the taste and texture of Girl Scout cookie variety, Thin Mints counters the metallic taste.

Over the past five years, more than 28,500 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies have been donated to individuals at Relay for Life events and health centers throughout Montana and Wyoming.