Do colleges prefer to hear about extenuating circumstances from a student or from a close recommender? Say someone wants to put their achievements into perspective. Should they have their recommenders mention what was overcome or shou the applicant do it himself ?
Have the GC mention it in his/her notes to the colleges. Better for an objective outsider speak of it than you.
What if the student finds the situation inappropriate to share with the GC, is it okay if another recommender mentions it? Say a mentor ?