Port’s cause to gain $20K

The effort involved 4,000 employees at InfoCision locations.

STAFF REPORT

AUSTINTOWN — Thanks to fund-raising efforts by InfoCision, a local man is $20,000 closer to the surgeries he needs to correct a facial deformity.

Ed Port, 39, of Austintown, works in the call center at Infocision’s facility on Interstate Boulevard.

Port was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 early in his life, and from age 7 to 19, he underwent several surgeries. Tumors caused by the disease obscure one side of his face, affecting his sight and hearing on his left side.

After he reached adulthood, health-insurance companies have declined to cover the cost of surgeries he needs to correct the problems, calling the procedures cosmetic.

Matt Feltrup, spokesman for InfoCision, said the company had a fundraiser for Port through an employee jeans day.

“We just think it’s important to raise awareness of Ed’s cause,” Feltrup said.

Employees could wear jeans to work one Friday if they made a contribution to Port’s cause.

The effort involved 4,000 employees at InfoCision locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The fundraiser brought in more than $10,000, which was matched by the company.

“I’m very proud of our employees and of the company as well,” Feltrup said.

The $20,000 donation, which Port is to receive Monday, substantially adds to the $30,000 raised through private donations and fundraisers since his story became public.

Port, whose story is being chronicled by a production company, has been visiting plastic surgeons across the country. It’s expected to take two or three costly surgeries to remove all the tumors.

He has said the surgeries have the potential to change his life: “I wonder if people will recognize who I am.”

To donate to Port’s cause, visit www.edneedsamiracle.com. Donations also may be made to help Port under the account “Ed Needs A Miracle” at Ohio Edison Penn Power Credit Union, 6000 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, OH 44515, or at Chase Bank, 380 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman, 44512.