Silver Lining fundraiser draws nearly 200 tonight

YOUNGSTOWN

Some 180 people gathered tonight for a fund-raising dinner-dance in support of a local organization that offers financial assistance to cancer patients in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.

The Friends of Hope banquet to benefit the Silver Lining Cancer Fund was at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Hall.

Silver Lining is a non-profit organization founded more than 30 years ago by Dr. Lawrence Pass, a Youngstown oncologist, who is now retired and residing in Scottsdale, Ariz. Dr. Pass enlisted physicians, nurses and other hospital staff to donate money and time to this cause.

“The challenges facing families that are dealing with cancer go well beyond the medical conditions; and this helps folks get through some of the daily challenges, not just the patient, but the whole family,” said Frank Hierro of Poland, regional president of Huntington Bank.

The fund pays $150 a month per patient to cover medication costs, transportation to local or distant medical facilities or household expenses.

Money from the fund can be used to cover a patient’s food, gasoline, utility or other costs.

It is not intended to be used to pay physician or inpatient hospital bills or any costs covered by insurance.

The all-volunteer organization’s name was derived from Dr. Pass’ belief that a “silver lining” exists, even when people are faced with the worst circumstances.

For more on the event, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.