The Prince George’s County (MD) Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department will once again do its part to raise awareness about breast cancer. October is breast cancer awareness month and the department will help to highlight that one in eight women will develop breast cancer and every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer, not only affects women but a percentage of men as well. Approximately 1,600 men will become breast cancer victims, with about 400 diagnoses resulting in death. Though much research and strides have been made to cure the disease, much more research is needed to aid in the education and prevention to help save lives from this type of cancer.
For the second year, the Fire/EMS Department will participate in the nationwide campaign for breast cancer awareness with Fire/EMS Department members; career, civilian and volunteers, having the option of donning pink work shirts during the month of October. Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor stated, “The color ‘pink’ has become symbolic of breast cancer awareness. I am authorizing the change in work uniforms during this time to help with awareness efforts.”
A member of the department has designed shirts, both T-shirts and polos, that reflect its advocacy for breast cancer awareness. The shirts will display a symbol of care and compassion for those affected while demonstrating a level of professionalism to be seen by a member of the community.
Chief Bashoor stated, “If not you, we all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. This is an opportunity for us to show our support and I know that the men and women of this Department will do their part to support this worthy cause.”
In 2011, the sale of Breast Cancer Awareness shirts generated about $13,000. These proceeds were donated to various agencies involved in breast cancer research. This year, the department hope to raise even more.
For more info, visit www.pgfdnews.com.
