BOARDMAN, Ohio – Calling it a sign of the love in the Mahoning Valley, Dr. Rashid Abdu was on hand Wednesday morning as he and the Mercy Health Foundation accepted a $26,330 donation from the #1 Cochran Chevrolet, Buick, GMC dealership for the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center.
“The center is there because I loved Joanie, and the reason it is there is because I and you all love the community,” Abdu said.
The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center is named in honor of Abdu’s wife.
“It is the inspiration of Dr. Abdu, who formed this concept of having in our community one of the best and most comprehensive breast care centers anywhere, and we’re very very proud to have that,” said Paul Homick, president of the Mercy Health Foundation.
Homick said the center would not be possible without the generous support of everyone in the Mahoning Valley.
“What we’re doing today is really expressing our gratitude to #1 Cochran for supporting our Joanie’s Promise Fund,” he said.
Homick noted that because of the Joanie’s Promise Fund, no one is turned away from receiving care, regardless of their ability to pay.
Joe Lukich, Ohio platform director for #1 Cochran, said the fundraising efforts go on throughout the year. Money is set aside from every car sold, culminating in the donation. Lukich said that when #1 Cochran became part of the community, it was important to continue some of the traditions of the Sweeney family of dealerships, and this particular charity was an important and easy choice.
“Dr. Abdu is special. This organization is special. The people they serve are special,” Lukich said. “When you can help people the way they are helping them, it is hard to really choose anyone else.”
Abdu also talked about the efforts the center has taken to expand services to three locations – Boardman, Poland and Columbiana. It also offers mobile mammogram services, which delivers breast screening services throughout the community and to churches.
“These fundraising drives are very, very important, because what it does is, it demonstrates the great work of an organization, of a business like Cochran, and how community spirited they are and how they want to be a part of helping our community be a better place to live and to work. … And in this particular case, ultimately saving lives,” Homick said.
Abdu said when the center first started, it saw 15 patients per day. Now more than 100 people are served each day. He still personally attends Wednesday morning conferences when patient cases are presented and discussed.
Donations can be made to the Mercy Health Foundation by calling the organization or visiting its website.
Pictured at top: From left are Paul Homick, president of the Mercy Health Foundation; Dr. Rashid Abdu, founder of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center; and Joe Lukich, Ohio platform director at #1 Cochran.