Cancer Institute Announces New Board Member

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Board of Directors appointed James Pettinato, RN-HP, MHSA to the Board of Directors.  

James Pettinato, RN-HP, MHSA, is the Chief Executive Officer at Wayne Memorial Hospital. He was previously the Director of Patient Care Services at Wayne Memorial before taking over in January 2022 as the Chief Executive Officer. 

James has a Master’s in Health Services Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marywood University. He started his career as an EMS captain and from there held positions as Director of Clinical Management, Registered Nurse- Intensive Care Unit, Case Manager- Associate Director of Professional Services/IV Program Manager, Critical Care Nurse Manager, Head Nurse II, and Director of Critical Care for a variety of healthcare organizations. James has experience on the administrative side of health care as well as firsthand experience collaborating with patients as a registered nurse at the bedside. 

Spirit of Hope Celebration Raises $56,982 for Northeast Regional Cancer Institute

Front row, seated from left to right: Marta Gomes, Traci Fosnot, Leo Vergnetti, Board of Ambassadors Chairman, Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Robin Long and Jo Ann Romano Hallesky.
Second row, standing from left to right: Vanessa Vergnetti-Thomas,Joe Van Wie, Nevin Gerber, Dino Campitelli, Richard P. Conaboy Jr. (2021 Tribute to Courage Honoree), William Davis, Kristie Hynoski, Clarence Baltrusaitis, Meghan Gagorik, and Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.

The Spirit of Hope Celebration Board of Ambassadors and Associate Board of Ambassadors presented the Cancer Institute with a $56,982 check from their 2021 Spirit of Hope event.  

“On behalf of the Ambassadors who truly exhibit the ‘Spirit of Hope’ we are thrilled to present you with these funds to help individuals receive early detection and free screenings,” said Leo Vergnetti, Chairman of the Board of Ambassadors. 

The Board of Ambassadors, a group of community volunteers, hosted the ninth annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November 2021 at Mohegan Sun Pocono. More than 300 people were in attendance. The event featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, and a live and silent auction. Richard P. Conaboy Jr. was the Tribute to Courage Honoree.  

Proceeds from the event benefited the 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. 

Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation

The Plains Township Police Department collaborated with Futuristic Innovative Graphics in Kingston to specially design t-shirts as a breast cancer awareness fundraiser in October 2021. They raised $1,462.66 to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a local organization focused on easing the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania. It was important to the organizers to keep the proceeds local. This is the second year of this fundraiser.

Community members were able to purchase t-shirts online through Futuristic Innovative Graphics website. The fundraiser was promoted on social media through the police department, graphics company and the Cancer Institute’s designated pages. The Plains Township Police Department plan to host this fundraiser again in fall 2022.  

Cancer Institute Announces New Officer and Member to the Board of Directors

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Board of Directors appointed Robert Cole PhD to the Board of Directors. He will serve as Vice Chair to fulfill a mid-term vacancy.  

Robert Cole, PhD, is the Senior Vice President, Chief Analytics Officer at Allied Services Integrated Health System. He is a 25-year employee of the health system. The non-profit organization is the leading provider of healthcare and human services for northeastern Pennsylvanians with disabilities and chronic illness.   

Robert earned a Master’s and a Doctorate in Experimental Psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, NY and brings strong data analytics backed by actionable insights into the organization’s business lines.  

Robert Cole, PhD, lives in Duryea with his wife, Donna, and their daughter Carsyn. He grew up in Duryea, graduated from Pittston Area High School and earned his bachelor’s in psychology from Bloomsburg University in 1992.  

Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Cuts Ribbon at New Location

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new office space and feature their new logo on Thursday, August 26, 2021. The new office is located at 312 Adams Ave, Scranton. After the ribbon cutting, office tours were available. 2021 marks the Cancer Institute’s 30th anniversary year.

Back row, from left to right:   Adam Basalyga, Bedrock Technology, Frank Suraci, Bedrock Technology, Michael Frigoletto, DeLuca Frigoletto Advertising, Robert Durkin, President, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Holly Carron, NRCI Board Member, Dr. Samuel Lesko, Medical Director, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Brian Doughton, District Director for Senator Marty Flynn, and Bill Davis, Chief of Staff for Pennsylvania State Representative Kyle Mullins.  

Front row, from left to right: Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Ann Crisanti, Chief Financial Officer, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Susan Belin, NRCI Board member and NRCI founder, Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Mayor Paige Cognetti, Representative Bridget Kosierowski, Laura Toole, Executive Vice President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Karen Ryczak, Director of Surveillance and Navigation Programs, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, and Jennifer Manganello, District Staff for Congressman Matt Cartwright.

Duryea at Dusk Raises $4,000 for Northeast Regional Cancer Institute

The Duryea at Dusk committee hosted their fifth Duryea at Dusk 5K and 1-mile walk as a virtual race again this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.  Participants were encouraged to complete their 5K or 1-mile safely around their neighborhood, on a treadmill, track or at a park between June 5-12. All runners and walkers received a customizable Duryea at Dusk virtual bib and had the opportunity to post their finisher photos on Duryea at Dusk’s Facebook page. Awards were given to top runners. 

Through personal experience with a family member battling cancer, Duryea native sisters, Katie Brudzinski and Allison Brudzinski wanted to be part of something bigger that would involve their entire community. Duryea at Dusk was created from that idea. This is the fifth year of this event. It will impact the local community and support a local organization, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, whose mission is to ease the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania.  Since inception, Duryea at Dusk has raised $44,261 for the Cancer Institute.

Individuals or businesses looking for future information can reach out to Duryea at Dusk committee by email at duryeaatdusk@gmail.com.

From left to right:  Eddie Klein, Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Aimee Balchune, Katie Brudzinski, Duryea at Dusk co-founder, and Kristen Kabacinski. 

Absent from the photo:  Duryea at Dusk committee members-Allison Brudzinski, co-founder, David Tighe,  and Krista Gromelski. 

Cancer Institute Names Chair for 29th Annual Cancer Survivors Day

Cynthia Mailloux, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., has been named chair for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 29th Annual Cancer Survivors Day- Honoring, Remembering, Sharing.

Cynthia Mailloux, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., is professor and chair of the Department of Nursing at King’s College. She had been chair of the Department of Nursing at Misericordia University for 12 years prior to going to King’s College. Dr. Mailloux earned her doctorate in nursing with a concentration in education from Penn State University, her master’s degree in nursing from Misericordia University and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wilkes University. She is a member of the Pennsylvania State Nurse Association, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing. She is also a member of the NRCI Board of Directors.

Dr. Mailloux’s area of practice includes pediatrics and nursing education. As an innovator in nursing education, she presently has started an RN to BSN program at King’s with a Dual Degree in Nursing Partnership with LCCC.  Her primary teaching responsibilities include nursing research and teaching/learning education courses. Her research interests have evolved around the principles of “learner empowerment” and “professional nurse autonomy” a study identifying how to better prepare nursing students for professional practice upon graduation.

Cancer Survivors Day is a dual-location event set for Saturday, September 18th at McDade Park in Scranton and Saturday, September 25th at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre from 10am – 12pm and is free of charge although pre-registration is encouraged. The events feature the Circle of Survivors, an activity during which every person in attendance can say a few words about their experience with cancer. Conversation and light refreshments provide an additional opportunity for connection and support. Cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as caregivers and healthcare professionals are invited to attend. For more information, go to www.cancernepa.org or call the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808.

McDonald Foundation Donates $5,000 to Northeast Regional Cancer Institute

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.  

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 Sun Pocono. 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. 

Foster & Lynn Friess Donation to Northeast Regional Cancer Institute

Spirit of Hope Celebration Ambassador, Matt Beynon, presented the Cancer Institute with a $100,000 check in December as a year-end blessing from Lynnette and Foster Friess of Jackson, WY, to support the Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. Foster Friess, a Wyoming businessman and philanthropist died on May 27th in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 81. 

Matt Beynon is part of the Board of Ambassadors, a group of community volunteers that hosts an annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November at Mohegan Sun Pocono. 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. 

Cancer Institute Announces New Officers and Members to the Board of Directors

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Board of Directors elected new officers. William Conaboy, Esq. was elected as Chair of the Board of Directors, Susan Shoemaker, Secretary and Holly Roever Carron, Treasurer.  In addition to the new officers, the Board of Directors appointed Michael L. Brown, Dale Johns, Cynthia Mailloux, PhD, RN, CNE and John A. Ruddy, M.B.A., D.P.S. to the Board of Directors.


Michael L. Brown is a member of the Commonwealth Health leadership team where he serves as CEO for Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. Prior to joining CHS, he served with Amita Health, the largest hospital system in Illinois, where he held hospital executive positions including COO, CNO, CEO and President since 2005. Most recently, he served as Regional President and CEO of the Amita Health Fox River Valley Region, overseeing two hospitals, two joint venture cancer centers and an ambulatory surgery center. Both hospitals have been recognized for safety and quality by Health Grades, Consumer Reports, U.S. News and World Reports and with Leapfrog A grades. In addition to collaborating with physicians for quality and growth, Michael has a track record of building and leading high-performing teams and achieving strategic and operational objectives. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Following military service, Michael worked as a professional firefighter/paramedic before he earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing with honors and MBA in organizational leadership/management from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.


Dale A. Johns is the Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Dale is an experienced healthcare leader with a focus on exceptional patient care, quality, and operational objectives. Dale joined Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in September of 2020 from Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, part of Steward Health Care, where he held the CEO position since 2013. During his tenure in Wilkes-Barre, the hospital has been recognized for safety and quality with a 3 Star CMS Quality Rating and a Health System of Pennsylvania Patient Safety Excellence Award. Dale leads the hospital’s COVID-19 response which has provided care to hundreds of patients who were admitted and required specialized treatment like monoclonal antibody infusion therapies. Dale has been instrumental in driving growth at the hospital through strategic planning, market development initiatives, and service line expansions. Throughout his almost thirty-year healthcare career, Dale has worked extensively on physician recruitment, leading quality improvement efforts and fostering cultures of physician and employee engagement. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves where he achieved the rank of Sergeant and served in Desert Shield/Storm. Following military service, Dale earned his Bachelor’s degree in health services administration and MBA from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah.


Cynthia Mailloux, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., is professor and chair of the Department of Nursing at King’s College. She was the chair of the Department of Nursing at Misericordia University for 12 years prior to going to King’s College. Dr. Mailloux earned her doctorate in nursing with a concentration in education from Penn State University, her master’s degree in nursing from Misericordia University and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wilkes University. She is a member of the Pennsylvania State Nurse Association, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing. She has been involved in grant writing and lobbying efforts in Washington DC with Senators and Representatives advocating for an increase in the allocation of nursing education money. She has participated in service-learning trips to Guyana, South America and Tanzania trying to offer nursing students a more global perspective of nursing. She serves on numerous university and college committees. She has also been selected as an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Wharton Nurse Leadership Scholar.


Dr. John A. Ruddy, CFA, CPA is an Assistant Professor of Finance in the Economics and Finance Department of The Arthur J. Kania School of Management, University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania.  He teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in Accounting and Finance. Dr. Ruddy has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Scranton, Scranton, PA (1991).  He has an M.B.A. in Finance and Investments from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. (1996).  He also holds a Doctorate in Professional Studies, with a focus in Finance from Pace University, New York City (2017).  As is noted above, he also has passed the Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst examinations and has the requisite professional experience for both designations. The University of Scranton recognized Dr. Ruddy for his teaching.  In October 2013, he was the recipient of the Kania School of Management 2013-2014 Outstanding Professor of the Year award.  In May of 2014, he was the recipient of the University of Scranton’s Teacher of the Year award, as selected by the 2014 Graduating class.  Most recently in February 2017, he was the recipient of the Kania School of Management 2016-2017 Outstanding Professor of the Year award. He previously served as the Finance Committee Chairman of the Scranton Preparatory School’s Board of Trustees.  He currently serves on the Board of The Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School.