Panerathon raises $700,000 for breast cancer center

On Sunday, the 15th annual Panerathon raised $700,000 to benefit the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
This year's event, held at the Covelli Centre, marked an increase in both sponsorship and participation. Since its inception in 2009, Panerathon has raised more than $5 million for the JACBCC, the only comprehensive breast care center in Youngstown.
The funds have supported various initiatives, including purchasing a mobile mammography unit. This unit has performed over 14,000 exams in the tri-county area since 2016, bringing vital breast cancer screening services to women who may not have had access previously.
“Panerathon continues to be a vital part of our community's efforts to combat breast cancer,” said Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises. “We are grateful for the unwavering support of participants, sponsors, volunteers, and donors."
Paul S. Homick, Jr., President of Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley, expressed his gratitude for the community's generosity. “These funds will help ensure that the JACBCC can continue to provide high-quality breast care to all, regardless of their ability to pay,” he said.
Panerathon is made possible by Covelli Enterprises, Panera Bread, and Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley.