| Columbia, MD – You've heard of Men in Black. Now meet the Men – and Women – in Pink: The Howard County Professional Firefighters, Local 2000, who in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) will once again put the pink spotlight on breast cancer awareness during the entire month of October. For the second year in a row, firefighters and paramedics will put away their normal uniform shirt in order to rock a pink breast cancer awareness shirt. Shirts are also for sale to the general public.
"This is personal for us," said Fire Chief William Goddard. "We each know someone, even members of our own department, who have had a bout with cancer or whose families have battled breast cancer. This initiative gives us a visible opportunity to shed light on this deadly disease." The proceeds from this initiative will go to support, The Red Devils, a local 501 (c) (3) non-profit that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for breast cancer patients and families living with breast cancer in Maryland.
"The firefighters and paramedics of Howard County are really rocking the cause again this year," said The Red Devils' Executive Director Jan Wilson. "Grassroots efforts such as this help fuel The Red Devils so we may alleviate some of the daily burdens of those living with breast cancer and patients may better focus on things that really count: getting better and spending quality time with loved ones."
Last year, Local 2000 raised more than $12,000 to benefit families struggling with the burden of unexpected costs associated with the disease. One such example is Howard County resident, Suzanne Kahn who found a lump in her breast around Mother's Day two years ago. Further testing revealed that it was stage two breast cancer. The Red Devils helped her pay for alternative therapies that were recommended as a part of her treatment regimen.
Another story of support involves Tanya Panizari, the wife of Firefighter Kevin Panizari. She is a mother of three, who was also diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. She was referred to The Red Devils for help with drug co-payments and housecleaning. "The Red Devils helped us financially, but it wasn't just the money," said Tanya. It's really nice to know that there is an organization out there that helps people with the little things like housecleaning. Through our family, friends, our faith and The Red Devils, we got through this and we're very grateful." |
