Panerathon Raises Over $475K for Breast Care Center
YOUNGSTOWN — Sunday’s Panerathon run and walk raised over $475,000 to fight breast cancer.
The 13th annual event, which includes a 10-kilometer run and a two-mile fun run/walk, has now raised over $3.5 million for the Abdu center, according to a press release from JAC Management, producer of the event. Panerathon’s start and finish line is at Covelli Centre, downtown.
Panerathon is the Valley’s largest community fundraising event, attracting thousands of participants and onlookers.
The event benefits the Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley in support of the Joanie Abdu center Comprehensive Breast Care Center on Belmont Avenue – the first and only such facility in Youngstown. The funds have resulted in breakthroughs in local breast cancer outreach, education and early diagnosis, according to the press release.
At the Abdu Center, 100,000 exams have been performed since its doors opened in 2011.
The money raised from Panerathon and Panera Bread’s Pink Ribbon Bagel has also allowed for the purchase of a mobile mammography unit that has brought the life-saving services of the center.
The unit has already performed nearly 9,000 exams in the tri-county area since 2016 and is the only of its kind in eastern Ohio with 3D mammography technology, which improves breast cancer detection and accuracy.
“This is a very special year for the Panerathon,” said Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises. “After making the event virtual in 2020 and then changing it to the Fall in 2021, we are thrilled to have the Panerathon back at the end of August so we can again end summer in the best way possible, by gathering together with our community for an amazing cause.”
Pictured at top: Runners leave the starting line at Sunday’s Panerathon 10-kilometer race Sunday at Covelli Center in Youngstown.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
