Write a commentIn recognition of October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Services Program has begun a month-long campaign aimed at increasing the awareness of the importance of obtaining annual clinical breast exams in the fight against breast cancer in Oswego County.
Statistics show that 1 in every 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. This year, around 39,620 women and 410 men are likely to die from breast cancer in the United States. For Oswego County Opportunities Cancer Services Program Partnership those are unacceptable numbers, and ones they are dedicated to reducing in Oswego County.
Carolyn Handville, program manager for the Cancer Services Program Partnership, said the Oswego City Fire Department is once again helping to get the campaign off to a fast start.
"It was a pleasant surprise when Fire Chief Jeff McCrobie called to tell me that the Oswego City Fire Department will be supporting our efforts by selling pink Oswego Fire Department T-shirts," Handville said. "Last year, the Oswego City Fire Department raised $2,500 for the Cancer Services Program and they are looking to raise even more this year."
Firefighter Carl Emmons, who is leading the fire departments breast cancer awareness campaign, said the IAFF Local #126 is joining with IAFF members across the United States and Canada to suit up in pink and are selling pink T-shirts to raise money for OCOs Cancer Services Program.
"The Oswego Fire Firefighters IAFF Local #126 is proud to be a part of this national effort," Emmons said. "IAFF affiliates can be effective advocates for breast cancer awareness and prevention. We encourage others to give so that no breast cancer patient goes without life-saving treatments they need today and the promise of a cure for tomorrow."
"I'm very appreciative of the fact that the Oswego City Fire Department recognizes our efforts and chose to support us in this way," Handville said.
Emmons added that the Oswego Fire Department Pink T-Shirts would be available during the Open House that the East Side Fire Station will be hosting on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fire station will be open for tours and will provide entertainment for children such as face painting, balloons and free refreshments.
"Additionally, there will be several demonstrations and presentations and other public safety agencies will be on hand as well, said Emmons.
Oswego City Fire Department pink shirts are also available at the East Side Fire Station, 35 East Cayuga St. in Oswego, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and at the Fulton Medical Center, 522 S. Fourth St., Suite 500, Fulton Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,, while they last. All proceeds from sales of the pink T-shirts will benefit the Cancer Services Program Partnership of Oswego County.
