Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Received $900 from Fundraising by St. Nicholas St. Mary’s Students St. Nicholas St. Mary’s School National Junior Honor Society students presented the Cancer Institute with a $900 check from their fundraising efforts. Students paid $3 for a dress down day and $1 to purchase various cancer ribbons to wear during the day to show support for someone affected by that type of cancer. Additional donations were accepted to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. It was important to the students to donate locally. From left to right: Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute,St. Nicholas St. Mary’s National Junior Honors Society students, Gianna Bongarzone, Vice- President, Nina Lombardi, Secretary, Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Ryan Pugh, President, and Mr. Chris Tigue, Principal, St. Nicholas St. Mary School.
The Wright Center Teams with Community Partners for Skin Cancer Screening Clinic The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, in partnership with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates and the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI), hosted its inaugural skin cancer screening clinic on May 17, providing screenings to more than 60 individuals at its community health center in Scranton. Clinicians from Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates teamed up with 10 Internal Medicine resident physicians from The Wright Center to screen 64 people for skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually. The clinic identified positive findings in 21 patients, with 15 requiring biopsies and six needing cryotherapy. Following the clinic, a nurse from The Wright Center contacted each patient’s primary care physician to ensure appropriate follow-up care. “We’re thrilled the clinic was so well-attended and that we were able to help so many participants who have suspected skin cancer,” said Dr. Michael J. O’Donnell of Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates. “Clinics like these are so important to community health, because we know that early detection can significantly increase survival rates.” Dr. O’Donnell added that he was happy to provide The Wright Center’s medical residents a hands-on learning opportunity about how to screen patients for skin cancer so they can better serve their patients now and in the future. Dr. Kirelos Younan, a second-year internal medicine resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, organized the program after hearing about two local cases: a young patient who died after being diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and another patient who survived after doctors detected the melanoma early. He called the clinic an incredible success. “While we anticipated strong interest, the turnout exceeded expectations,” Dr. Younan said. “We saw patients across various age groups with identifiable skin cancers, reinforcing the urgent need for accessible dermatologic services in our community.” Medical residents also appreciated the chance to work with staff at Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates. “The dermatology team, led by Dr. O’Donnell, provided exceptional education in distinguishing between benign and cancerous lesions. We also learned how to use a dermatoscope, which will undoubtedly be a valuable tool in our daily clinical practice,” Dr. Younan said. “Beyond clinical skills, we had the opportunity to navigate discussions regarding risk factor modification to prevent skin cancer.” In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the event focused on promoting early detection and prevention, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their skin health. NRCI hosted an informational table during the clinic, offering multilingual materials on skin cancer types, risk reduction strategies, and self-examination techniques, among other key topics. “Patients expressed their appreciation for the event and information provided,” said Karen Ryczak, RN, NRCI’s vice president of programs and surveillance. “We also had the opportunity to discuss our Cancer Screening Navigation Program with staff.” The program works to remove barriers to screenings for breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancer, she explained. The Wright Center has participated in the program for more than a decade, helping thousands of patients access critical health care services. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019. Skin cancer screening 1: Dr. Michael J. O’Donnell, left, with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates, examines Lisa Yerka at a skin cancer screening clinic held at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton. Drs. Kirelos Younan and Sandra Rabat, Internal Medicine resident physicians from The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, observe the examination. Skin cancer screening 2: Dr. Mark Marsili, seated, retired from Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates, examines Joan Welby for signs of skin cancer, as, from left, Drs. Taimoor Nasir and Tushar Abhinav, Internal Medicine resident physicians with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, use the clinic as a learning experience. The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton hosted the inaugural skin cancer clinic on May 17 and provided screenings to more than 60 people. Skin cancer screening 3: Dr. Michael J. O’Donnell of Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates examines Vanessa Bonevich at a skin cancer screening clinic on May 17 at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, as from left, Drs. Srikar Bathi and Kavitha Singaraval, Internal Medicine resident physicians with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, and Michael Bonevich watch the exam and learn from it. The clinic identified positive findings in 21 patients, with 15 requiring biopsies and six needing cryotherapy.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Supported by Wyoming Seminary Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, together with the Smeraldi Family, hosted several colon cancer awareness fundraisers to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s (NRCI) colon cancer educational and awareness campaign, CASUAL Day. Students and teachers participated in a dress-down day on March 27th in addition to purchasing NRCI’s specially designed awareness t-shirts. The Wyoming Seminary Rowing team hosted “A Row for Alessandro,” regatta event with several competitions to also support CASUAL Day. The school raised $2,297 through their efforts. Gail Smeraldi and her late husband Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi were the 2024-2025 CASUAL Day Co-Chairs. Their son, Caleb Smeraldi, is a student and member of the Wyoming Seminary rowing team. He helped to coordinate all three events. Proceeds from CASUAL Day benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute efforts to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low income, un/underinsured individuals. From left to right: Gail Smeraldi, CASUAL Day Co-Chair, Caleb Smeraldi, Wyoming Seminary student, rowing team member and son to Gail and the late Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi, and Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Announces New Officers and Members to the Board of Directors The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Board of Directors elected new officers. Holly Roever Carron, was elected as Chair of the Board of Directors, Maria Montoro Edwards, Ph.D, Vice Chair, Susan Belin, Secretary and John Ruddy, DPS, CFA, CPA, Treasurer. In addition to the new officers, the Board of Directors appointed four new Board members, Gail Smeraldi, DPM, Amber L. Sobuto, D.O., John J. Sobuto, D.O., and David J. Grega, CPA. Holly Roever Carron is President at HW Roever Inc, a family operated Real Estate Holding company and former Dunkin franchisee. Holly is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University at University Park with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and International Business with a concentration in Spanish. She currently serves as Chair of the Board at St. Joseph’s Center, an organization designed to assist those with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays and sits on the Family Business Alliance Board. Ms. Carron has also begun a new career in college admissions as a First Reader at the University of Miami. Gail Smeraldi, DPM is a retired Podiatrist, the 2024-2025 CASUAL Day Co-Chair, an active community fundraiser and a mother of two, Hayley and Caleb. Amber L. Sobuto, D.O. is board-certified in Hematology, Oncology and Internal Medicine. She is a Hematologist/Oncologist with Hematology & Oncology Associates. Dr. Sobuto is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her fellowship in Hematology and Oncology and her residence in Internal Medicine at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA. She is a mother of four children, Giovanni, Scarlett, and twin girls Livianna and Juliet. John J. Sobuto D.O. is a Pulmonologist with Geisinger and will be transitioning to the Lehigh Valley Physician Group in May 2025. Dr. Sobuto is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed Fellowship training at Lankenau Medical Center. His specialty is in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. He holds board certifications in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine all under the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Sobuto has a special interest in Advanced Bronchoscopy with a focus on early-stage lung cancer diagnostics. He is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society. Dr. Sobuto is a father of four children, Giovanni, Scarlett, and twin girls Livianna and Juliet. David J. Grega, CPA is the Corporate Controller at Medico Construction Equipment, Inc., where he is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations while playing a key role in driving the company’s growth. Before joining Medico Construction Equipment, Inc., David served as a Director at McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates, P.C., bringing 16 years of experience in public accounting. David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Wilkes University and resides in Shavertown with his wife Sarah and their three children. David is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has previously served on the Finance Committee at Wyoming Valley Country Club. He also dedicates his time as a coach for both Back Mountain Little League and Lake-Lehman Youth Basketball.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Recieves Donation from Northeast Title & Tag, Inc. Northeast Title and Tag hosted an October fundraiser to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI). Staff members hosted a trunk-or-treat event and sold wristbands and t-shirts. Through their efforts, they raised $1,500 to help ease the burden of cancer in northeast Pennsylvania. All funds will stay local and support NRCI’s community programming and services. Additionally, they collected personal items for cancer patients for The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 22nd Annual CASUAL Day Announces Chair Alessandro Smeraldi, MD is chair for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 22nd Annual CASUAL (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day for a second year. Building on the momentum he gained last year; he is once again teaming up with his wife Gail and other healthcare professionals to bring awareness to the importance of colon cancer screening. Alessandro Smeraldi, MD is a board-certified vascular surgeon. Dr. Smeraldi recently retired, focusing on his family and his health. He is proud to have served his community these many years. He maintains ties with the Society for Vascular Surgery and Society for Vascular Ultrasound. Additionally, he serves as a clinical professor of surgery at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton. Dr. Smeraldi draws daily strength from the love of his wife, Gail, and their children Hayley and Caleb. CASUAL Day, set for Thursday, March 27, 2025, is a dress down day to raise awareness for colorectal cancer in northeast Pennsylvania. On this day, participants dress casual while wearing specially designed socks, hats, and/or t-shirts. The focus of this awareness campaign is to have a casual conversation about colon cancer. All proceeds from the event stay in NEPA and go towards the Cancer Institute efforts to raise awareness and support to support colorectal cancer prevention, early detection education and screenings. For more information about CASUAL Day and how you can participate, please call the Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808 or visit www.cancernepa.org.
NRCI Names Tribute to Courage Honoree The Board of Ambassadors will honor Peter J Danchak as the 2024 Tribute to Courage Honoree at their upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration set for Friday, November 15, 2024, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Peter J. Danchak is the Regional President of the Northeast PA region of PNC Bank. Danchak joined PNC Bank in 1984 and has held various positions of responsibility in Corporate Banking. He was named Regional President of the Northeast PA Market of PNC Bank in January 2001. Active in the community, Danchak currently serves as Chairman of AllOne Charities Foundation and Co-Chair of the Scranton Plan. He serves on the Board of Directors of AllOne Foundation, the Highmark Regional Advisory Board and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. In October of 2020, he was appointed to the Early Learning Investment Commission Emeritus Advisory Council. He also previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the ARC of Northeastern Pennsylvania Foundation, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Luzerne Foundation, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, King’s College, Keystone College, Johnson College, Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Scranton Chamber Board of Commerce and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber. He served on the Board of Trustees of Marywood University, Scranton Preparatory School and the University of Scranton Kania School of Management. Danchak also was the co-chair of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission for 10 years. Danchak received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree from them in 2018. Seated: Dino Campitelli, Amanda Marchegiani, Karen Saunders, Leo Vergnetti, Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors Chair, Laura Toole, and Vanessa Vergnetti Thomas, Standing: Joe Ferguson, Jim Gorman, Vince Scarpetta, Pat Sicilio, Nick Colangelo. Ph.D, Nevin Gerber, Matt Beynon, Tammy Saunders, Mark Mesko, Maria Donahue, Angela Rempe Jones and Marta Gomes, Absent from photo: Clarence Baltrusaitis, Tom Blaskiewicz, Jim & Susan Brady, Brigitte Baum, Richard P. Conaboy, Edward Cosgrove, Bill Davis, Tom DePietro, Mary Erwine, Julie Eisenman, Traci Fosnot, Greg Gagorik, Meghan Gagorik, JoAnn Romano Hallesky, John Heil, Jennifer Heil, Kristie Hynoski, Charles C. Jefferson, Robin Long, John Mack, Linda Marino-Brooks, Joe Mattioli, IV, Brian McQuestion, Philip Medico, Dan Meuser, Dana D’Angelo Morris, David Nape, Christopher Peters, MD, Vito Pizzo, Casey Quinn, William F. Rinaldi, John P. Rodgers, Esq., Vince Scarpetta, P. Richard Scheller, Frank Sepko, Dr. Steven J. Syzdlowski, Joe Van Wie, Tony Vergnetti, Patty Vergnetti, Sonya Eddings, and Atty. Charles J. Volpe. The Board of Ambassadors is a group of individuals and business leaders in northeast Pennsylvania who have come together to raise funds & awareness to fight cancer in the local community through their support and promotion of a gala event. The Spirit of Hope Celebration benefits the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This program helps individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings. For more information about the upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration, please call the Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808 or visit www.spiritofhopecelebration.org.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation from McDonald Foundation The McDonald Foundation presented the Cancer Institute with a $5,000 donation to support the Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. Nevin Gerber, a representative of the McDonald Foundation and Spirit of Hope Ambassador together with Leo Vergnetti, Chairman of the Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors, presented the check. From left to right: Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Nevin Gerber, McDonald Foundation and Leo Vergnetti, Board of Ambassadors Chairman. The Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors is a group of community volunteers that hosts an annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Proceeds from the event benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This program helps low income and un/underinsured individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings. For more information about the Spirit of Hope Celebration, visit, www.spiritofhopecelebration.org .
