‘Resolve to just give’

Ed Port benefit shows Valley’s charitable spirit

By JON MOFFETT

Vindicator Staff Writer

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

About 500 people donated their time and hard-earned money at a benefit spaghetti dinner Sunday afternoon at the St. Dominic Parish Center in Youngstown. The dinner was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, and proceeds benefit Ed Port of Austintown.

“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 age 7 and 19 — and the cost estimate has ranged anywhere from $750,000 to $1 million.

Valley residents and groups have had multiple fundraisers to help ease the financial burden for Port. And those in attendance for the benefit dinner said the true giving spirit of the Valley was evident.

“This says something about the people of Youngstown because we are not in the best of situations financially,” said Lori Neill, 66, of Youngstown. “But they don’t hesitate to come and support other people.”

Becky Hudak, 52, of Youngstown said, “I think our community is so strongly founded because we are so ethnically diverse. It really goes to show our resolve to just give. I’m proud of Youngstown for that.”

Port said he has been fighting a frustrating battle with insurance companies over the facial surgeries. He said the companies are considering the procedures “cosmetic” and, therefore, won’t pay for them. He added that during a recent trip to Chicago, a doctor told him an additional three or four surgeries would be required.

“He [the doctor] told me he hopes to remove all the tumors in one or two surgeries, and then with the third and fourth surgeries, I’d have all the reconstruction work done.”

The best way to help out, Port said, is to simply spread the word. He said those interested in helping raise awareness of the cause should visit his Web site at www.edneedsamiracle.com and volunteer to hand out fliers or information on upcoming events.

“People can e-mail everybody on their lists about my story, the Web site has Vindicator videos on there, they have CNN and Fox News clips and links to stories,” he said.

Monetary donations also are accepted and can be directly deposited into Port’s account via the Web site. Monday also can be donated at any Chase Bank branch.

Port said that though the money donations are certainly appreciated — and needed — it is the donation of time that means the most to him.

“Everyone here isn’t here for just a meal; they’re here supporting my cause,” he said. “But they’ve also supported other people who suffer from neurofibromatosis.”

He also added that he has become friends with some of the people who have been to multiple events and invites everyone who is curious about his condition to talk to him.

“I may not remember your name,” he said, “but I remember your face because I’ve seen you.”

jmoffett@vindy.com