Volunteers are honored at recognition dinner

BOARDMAN — On Nov. 10 the Mahoning County Unit of the American Cancer Society honored volunteers at its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at Rusty’s Southside Grill.

Singled out for recognition were those who voluntarily helped with such things as fundraising events, educational programs, advocacy activities and office mailings, or served on the board.

Individuals and groups who provided outstanding services to the society over the past fiscal year were also honored with awards.

• Pete Hyland of Austintown received the Health Promotions Mission Delivery Award. He has been a Road to Recovery driver for 41‚Ñ2 years, driving more than 26,000 miles. He donates his time and vehicle to drive cancer patients to and from their medical treatments.

• Youngstown Police Department was the recipient of the Development Mission Support Award. Laura Brown, Fred Losasso, John Patton and Tony Tulipano of the YPD organize a benefit golf outing each year, and the popular event has raised nearly $75,000 for the society over the past 10 years.

• Marcia Yost of Poland, who is involved in the society’s Reach to Recovery program, was given the Nurse of Hope Award. Not only does she visit breast cancer patients, but she also is a trainer for the program. She participates in the Austintown Relay for Life and helps with the society’s information booth at the Canfield Fair.

•The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Debbie Gilbert of Poland, a cancer survivor who realizes the importance of reaching out to other cancer patients to give them support and reassurance. She makes presentations to various society support groups and to cancer survivors and participates in the Boardman Relay for Life as captain of the Forum Health Friends team.

Accomplishments of the Mahoning County American Cancer Society during the past fiscal year included the following:

•Six area Relay for Life events raised $497,533.

•Boardman Relay for Life raised $248,787.

•A total of $815,889 was raised during the year in Mahoning County.

•Local volunteers supported advocacy issues including the FDA regulation of tobacco products and the need for Congress to act now on health care reform.

•The first Coaches vs. Cancer Walk took place in conjunction with the men’s basketball team at Youngstown State University.

•Services for more than 1,065 requests were completed including information about cancer prevention and programs to assist cancer patients and families.

•Funded by a grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Northeast Ohio Affiliate, the BEST program provided 365 uninsured or underinsured women with the opportunity to receive free mammograms.

•The Patient Navigator Program continued to assist cancer patients with recourses and other assistance.

•Volunteer drivers in the Road to Recovery program provided 338 rides to cancer patients who needed transportation to and from treatment.

•A $1,000 Youth Survivor Scholarship was awarded a college student cancer survivor in Mahoning County to provide assistance in pursuing a higher education.

•The Governor’s Buckeye Best Program honored 38 schools in the county that made health a priority by promoting nutrition, physical activity and tobacco prevention.

•Office volunteers helped with 76,542 pieces of bulk mail, assembled 3,480 Relay for Life kits for team captains, made 1,260 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer packets for team captains and 2,050 memorials, and updated 4,963 addresses in the computer program.

•Members of the media provided coverage to inform the community about special events, programs and services. The in-kind media sponsorships this past year exceeded $100,000.

For information about volunteer opportunities, call (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.