Prison workers culminate Breast Cancer Awareness month with donation

YOUNGSTOWN — Warden Richard A. Bowen Jr. and employees at the Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown ended October — Breast Cancer Awareness Month — by presenting a check for $607.50 to Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley in support of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center.

According to a news release, the donation will help fund Joanie's Promise, which ensures that anyone in the Mahoning Valley in need of diagnostic breast services has access to care regardless of ability to pay.

Funds were raised by auctioning 12 executive parking spots for October. Employees with the winning bids paid to park in spots normally reserved for executives, which are closest to the entrance. Last year, the parking-spot auction raised $430 to benefit the Joanie Abdu center.

Among the employees taking part was Captain Laurie Harper, a five-year breast cancer survivor who received her diagnosis and treatment at the center. Harper, who discovered a small lump in her breast during a self-examination, said she was lucky: Her cancer was diagnosed early enough that she didn't need to undergo chemotherapy, just surgery and radiation. She also credited her surgeon, Dr. Nancy Gantt, and the staff at the center for providing care and support throughout the experience. Today, she is cancer-free.

For information on how to support Joanie's Promise or other causes that seek to improve the health of Mahoning Valley residents, call Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley at 330-729-1180.

This story was originally published November 7, 2019 at 6:45 AM with the headline "Prison workers culminate Breast Cancer Awareness month with donation."