500 dine on spaghetti to benefit Austintown man’s surgery

By Jon Moffett

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning Valley residents proved that not even a stagnant economy and national recession can keep them from finding a way to give to a worthwhile cause.

About 500 people donated their time and money at a benefit spaghetti dinner at the St. Dominic Parish Center today.

The dinner was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and proceeds went toward Austintown resident Ed Port.

“It’s been very busy, and there have been a lot of people coming up to me and asking me how I’m feeling,” Port said.

Port, 39, suffers from a rare hereditary condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 2, which has caused large tumors to obscure the left side of his face and affect his sight and hearing. Port has consulted medical professionals about having additional surgeries –he had several procedures between ages 7 and 19 – and the cost estimate has ranged anywhere from $750,000 to $1 million.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and Vindy.com.