Calumet City Firefighters Sizzle in Pink during 2015 Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Calumet-City-Firefighters-Sizzle-in-Pink-during-2015-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-MonthLocal firefighters donned pink during the month of October, raising awareness and $868.50 in funding for the Community Cancer Research Foundation in Munster, Ind. This is the first year that the department wore the new uniform shirts containing a pink ribbon. The goal of the new shirts, designed by several firefighters, was to raise awareness as well as funding for cancer research close to home.

Proceeds from the department’s fundraising efforts benefit the Community Cancer Research Foundation in Munster. Work being done by the Research Foundation advances the detection, diagnosis, treatment, education and prevention of cancer. Through the Foundation’s efforts, residents have access to clinical research trials from around the globe, close to home in their own neighborhood.

Community Cancer Research Foundation links patients with research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and other major research cooperatives worldwide. The three hospitals of Community Healthcare System – Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart - offer patients access to research for prevention and/or treatment for every stage of breast cancer, from Ductal Carcinoma In Situ or DCIS (considered a Stage 0 Breast Cancer) to advanced disease. The Foundation also offers patient access to research for the prevention and/or treatment of lung, prostate, skin and colon cancers, lymphoma, adult leukemia and multiple myeloma.

“Personally, I’m proud the department decided to join the fight against breast cancer,” said Captain Pam Eanes. “It affects so many women and hurts so many families. This year we were able to donate more than $800 to the Cancer Research Foundation and next year we hope to triple that amount and bring even more awareness.”

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women after lung cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, according to the American Cancer Society.

Employees of the Fire Department, City Hall and various other city departments could be seen wearing pink throughout the month of October.

“Early detection and treatment is key,” said Firefighter Kelley Pactwa. “The shirts are just one way we hope to bring awareness to our community.”

Our hope is to continue raising awareness and continuing the fight against breast cancer in years to come,” said Firefighter Cheryl Mayer.

For more information about the Community Cancer Research Foundation, visit www.myccrf.com.