Spirit of Hope event raises $56,000 for Cancer Institute

Posted on October 2, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The Spirit of Hope Celebration Board of Ambassadors and Associate Board of Ambassadors presented the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute with a $56,000 check from its ninth annual Spirit of Hope event hosted at Mohegan Sun Pocono with more than 300 people in attendance.

Christopher A. Peters, M.D. was the Tribute to Courage honoree. Proceeds benefited the Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program which helps low income and un/underinsured individuals in NEPA get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings.

The 2024 Spirit of Hope Celebration will take place on Friday, November 15, at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

Shown in the front row, seated from left: Dino Campitelli, AAC, Amanda E. Marchegiani, NRCI Community Relations Coordinator; Karen M. Saunders, NCRI President; Leo Vergnetti, Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors Chair; Laura Toole, NCRI Executive Vice President, and Vanessa Vergnetti Thomas.

Second row; Joe Ferguson, Jim Gorman, Vince Scarpetta, Pat Sicilio, Nick Colangelo. Ph.D; Nevin Gerber, Matt Beynon, Tammy Saunders, Mark Mesko, Maria Donahue, Angela Rempe Jones, and Marta Gomes.

Ambassadors absent from photo: Clarence Baltrusaitis, Tom Blaskiewicz, Jim & Susan Brady, Brigitte Baum, Richard P. Conaboy, Edward Cosgrove, Bill Davis, Tom DePietro, PharmD, Mary Erwine, Julie Eisenman, Traci Fosnot, Greg Gagorik, Meghan Gagorik, JoAnn Romano Hallesky, John Heil, Jennifer Heil, Kristie Hynoski, Charles C. Jefferson, Robin Long, John Mack, Linda Marino-Brooks, Joe Mattioli, IV; Brian McQuestion, Philip Medico, Dan Meuser, Dana D’Angelo Morris, David Nape, Christopher Peters, MD,; Vito Pizzo, Casey Quinn, William F. Rinaldi, John P. Rodgers, Esq., Vince Scarpetta, P. Richard Scheller, Frank Sepko, Dr. Steven J. Syzdlowski, Joe Van Wie, Tony Vergnetti, Sonya Eddings, Patty Vergnetti, and Atty. Charles J. Volpe.

Rosetti Estate set to host Halloween murder mystery

Posted on October 2, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The Rossetti Foundation for the Arts and Culture (RFAC) will host a Halloween murder mystery at the Rossetti Estate, 1005 Vine Street, Scranton, on Saturday, October 12, from 6 – 9 p.m. The “Haunted Mansion Open House Murder” will be presented by members of Actors Circle, directed by Mark Fryer. Cast members include: Cathy Strauch, a native of Dunmore; Mark Fryer, Tony Ranieli, and Madeline Giardina of Dunmore.

Come dressed in costume, or Halloween masked, for this event, as you become part of the crime scene, and may be chosen to participate! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks as the event unfolds. Cash bar is also available. For adults only, please.

Cost is $25 if purchased online, otherwise make a reservation and pay at the door for $30. Space is limited. Make your reservations by October 4. For more information or to make reservations, call 570-998-3201. Visit www.RossettiArts.org.

Northeast Regional Cancer Institute out with new report

Posted on October 2, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a local community-based nonprofit organization, has released the latest report on cancer, “Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Incidence and Mortality for Common Cancers”. The report is available at: http://cancernepa.org/

This unique, locally focused report was compiled by Cancer Institute Vice President of Cancer Surveillance, Karen Ryczak, RN and Medical Director, Samuel Lesko, MD, MPH. The report documents that both incidence and mortality rates for cancer remain significantly higher in NEPA than the U.S. It also identifies those specific cancer sites for which there is a disparity in either incidence or mortality.

In NEPA, we have statistically significantly higher incidence rates for cancer of the lung, larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, urinary bladder, pancreas, thyroid, uterus and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma compared to the U.S. Evidence based screenings are available for breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer that can reduce deaths from these cancers and in the case of cervical and colon cancer, may prevent cancers from developing. Primary care providers are well suited to advise individuals on what screenings are appropriate based on age, gender, personal and family history, risk factors and eligibility criteria for screenings.

The goal in sharing these data is to raise awareness across the community and to promote collaborative efforts to reduce the risk of select cancers through healthy lifestyle choices and adherence to proper screening guidelines. The report offers important insight for Northeastern Pennsylvania residents, health professionals, and government leaders.

For additional information or a hard copy of the full report, feel free to contact the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808 or karen.ryczak@cancernepa.org .