Connecticut Local Raises Awareness and Dollars for Cancer

June 8, 2010 – Stamford, CT Local 786 fire fighters aren’t waiting until October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – to raise awareness and dollars for the cause. They recently traded their standard-issue navy-blue duty shirts for pink ones.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight American women will be stricken with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

“That is a shocking statistic, but if you think about it, most of us know someone who has been affected by cancer,” says Local 786 President Brendan Keatley. “We wanted to do our part to get the word out.”

The shirts were worn to remind everyone about getting a mammogram, ensuring early detection, diagnosis and treatment. The local also printed some extra shirts for sale.

“We plan to donate all proceeds to a local cancer research-based charity,” says Keatley.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin getting annual mammograms at age 40. Self-exams are recommended beginning at age 20.