The fire district raised funds for Pink Heals by selling limited-edition shirts. PHOTO PROVIDED

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The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District did its part this month to support and recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is held throughout the month of October. The fire district raised funds for Pink Heals by selling limited-edition shirts. The annual fundraiser is organized by Firefighter-Paramedic Sarah Goldstein, and has raised over $10,000 for the Pink Heals organization since 2017.

Sarah was inspired by her mother’s battle with breast cancer, and in response began to design a new shirt each year to help make a difference in the lives of others battling the disease.

“When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness, they need a strong support system to encourage them to keep fighting. We are here to show our love and support,” Goldstein said in a LAFCRD press release.

According to LAFCRD’s Public Relations Officer Katie Heck, this year’s fundraiser hit new records, thanks to the involvement of the Iona McGregor Fire District, South Trail Fire District and the Atlanta Fire Department.

Each department’s custom-made shirt had the same design, with the exception of the color and front logo on the shirt. Wearing the shirts signify the support for Pink Heals and cancer warriors. Firefighters from each department will wear the shirts with their uniforms throughout the month of October.

The various fire departments alone helped raise over $6,000, but additional shirts were made available to members of the public during two Fire Prevention Pop-Up events held in October.

The Fire Prevention Pop-Up events were held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and Saturday, Oct. 17, at First Community Congregational Church, 200 Leeland Heights Blvd., East.

According to Heck, the events not only offered a chance to educate the public but also further the cause of raising money for Pink Heals.

“Both events went great! We raised a little over $1,500 in shirt sales during the two pop-ups. We were pleased with how many people stopped by to take a tour of the truck and also receive safety materials on the topic of kitchen fire prevention and wildfire mitigation. It was a great opportunity to meet members of the public while still being mindful of COVID precautions,” Heck explained.

Pink Heals partners with public safety organizations, local businesses and families to provide home visits for people who are in need of support during a medical battle. Participants engage in fundraisers and volunteer their time to uplift the spirits of the men, women and children fighting cancer or other medical conditions within their community.

Pink Heals fire trucks make visits throughout the community and most recently to Lehigh’s G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School, when the school held a fundraiser at the beginning of the year for a young, third grade student who was diagnosed with Leukemia.

According to the press release, Firefighter Paramedic Goldstein has volunteered with the Southwest Florida Chapter of Pink Heals since 2017, but she still remembers when she received her set of pink bunker gear.

“The first thing I noticed was my mom’s name embroidered on the sleeve of my bunker coat. My mom received her diagnosis on the day that I was sworn in as a career firefighter,” stated Sarah. “Through her continuing battle, I’ve learned that fighting cancer if a family affair. Volunteering for Pink Heals is my way of honoring my mother and also encouraging others to stay strong in their battle.”

For more information on the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, visit www.lehighfd.com

For more information Pink Heels visit https://pinkheals.com/