MAHONING VALLEY Cancer Society presents awards

Michele Schromofsky received the Courage Award and James Davis and Sherry McNeal were named Man and Woman of the Year.
BOARDMAN -- The Mahoning Valley American Cancer Society recognized volunteers and presented awards at its annual volunteer recognition luncheon Thursday at the Holiday Inn.
Michele Schromofsky of Boardman received the Courage Award for her "strength and willingness" to overcome her battle with colon cancer, said Al Stabilito, communications and advocacy director for the American Cancer Society's Mahoning County Unit.
Schromofsky, who had several surgeries and received chemotherapy, is a five-year survivor and is instrumental in starting the CORES (colon or rectal education support) group.
James Davis, of Warren, is Man of the Year. He is a regional trainer of Let's Talk About It, an ACS program in which black men talk to one another about the importance of early detection of prostate cancer. In addition, he assisted with the exercise section of the & quot;Down Home Health Living & quot; colorectal cancer program.
Sherry McNeal of Austintown is Woman of the Year. She has participated in and promoted the Relay for Life for nine years, and was a team captain for five years and chairwoman for four years at the Austintown Relay For Life.
She also helped promote cancer control awareness programs and healthy living tips.
Volunteer of the Year Award
This year's Volunteer of the Year Award went to the Mahoning Valley Unit's 23 office volunteers.
& quot;Normally this award is given to one individual who makes an outstanding contribution during the year. But this year we had an entire group of dedicated people who deserved this award, & quot; said Jo-Ann Crank, executive director of the Mahoning Valley office.
The volunteers honored are: Blanche Caskey, Clare Christofil, Helen Curtis, Betty Davies, Florence DiGiacomo, Mary Feicht, Nancy Felton, Michael Griffin, Dera Belle Griffith, Mary Jane Jones, Lucy Kelly, Phyllis Kramer, Sylvia Lightbody, Michael Mannino, Sally McClain, Gloria Meeker, Virginia Pallotta, Dick Redman, Ethel Richards, Joann Shirila, Ginnie Waite, Thelma Wertz and Marian Whitling.
Also, during the Sept. 1, 2001 - Aug. 31, 2002, fiscal year, the Mahoning Unit received three awards from the Ohio Division American Cancer Society.
The first was for the most creative event during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2001. In November 2001, the unit received an award for the best media coverage regarding the Great American Smokeout.
In March 2002, another most creative award was presented for awareness of colorectal cancer.