What began as a routine breakfast meeting became part of a miracle as claimed by many.   The meeting started on a high note but soon became an emotional roller coaster as Judge Mark Mascara, during his award acceptance speech, announced he was being treated for stage 4 cancer. A capacity group of over 100 listened intently as Mark thanked all the community friends and business associates that supported him with cards of encouragement, meals and help with family errands.  Mark announced he was taking chemo treatments every Wednesday since the diagnosis. 

The meeting opened with Dale Risker, President  and Commissioner Diane Irey,   MC was Executive Director, Don Hodor.  Hodor stated, “We have never opened or closed with a prayer at past meetings, but I felt a strong instinct and spontaneously asked Commissioner Braken Burns to come up and lead the group in a prayer.   We ended the program with a reception line which was attended by 100% of  the group.”  In past Southpointe Chamber events when the program is ended, everyone runs for the exit to get on with their daily work, especially on Monday.  This time a heartfelt aura filled the room as each leader, businessman and sponsor stood in line to congratulate the two Mascaras on the award and give words of hope. 

But what about the miracle?  Mark Mascara, who was diagnosed mid-summer with stage four esophageal cancer and told he would not live through the spring, received word a week later from his doctor that his most recent PET scan showed no signs of cancer.

"I was shocked," said Mascara. "For the first few days, I was just overwhelmed, seeing family and friends who have been so kind and supportive." The judge added, "I do not know why and I will never know why I was healed. I am so humbled by all of this."

According to Mascara, he had been diagnosed with the rare cancer that affects fewer than 5 in 100,000 people in the United States. And he had been told that the cancer had spread to his liver, lymph nodes and other areas of his body.

Congressman Frank Mascara, (Retired) was being honored for his vision as key to the inception and funding of Southpointe,  Judge Mark Mascara was being honored for Excellence in Community Service for his generous voluntary acts of service to groups and individuals in Washington County.  Hodor said, “My second instinct was to ask Mark to present the award to his dad.  During this unexpected presentation from Mark, many private family stories were told leading up to Frank’s honorable position as Congressman including trips on Air Force One  - all from a California University, Charleroi hometown  steel mill city working class guy. 

Hodor added, “thanks goes out to the sponsors who made the event possible.  IP Montgomery, Range Resources, Risker Enterpirses, DPS Penn, Southpointe Telecom and Pittsburgh Retire Right companies.  Our Southpointe Chamber events are sponsor to cover cost and there is no fee to members and their guests. 

When Hodor was asked, What about a Chamber healing breakfasts?.  He responded, “ let’s keep the chamber a chamber and let the Lord above make those decisions.” 

Please be informed of construction activity at the north and south intersections of Southpointe Boulevard and Morganza Road.  The Washington County Authority has awarded a contract to Michael Facchiano Contracting to upgrade these intersections by installing additional turning lanes and new traffic signals.  Traffic restrictions will be in place during construction but every effort will be made to keep disruptions to a minimum.  Construction work will take place between the hours of 7:00am and 3:30pm. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year and will greatly enhance traffic movements in and out of the Southpointe Business Park.  Your patience will be greatly appreciated. 

Remax Realty               Jenn Reddinger

Pittsburgh Business Times