For the month of October, the Loma Linda Firefighter’s Association did more than keep the community safe. It raised more than $4,000 to benefit breast cancer patients at Loma Linda University Cancer Center.
On Nov. 26, members from the association presented a check for $4,260 to the Cancer Center to help provide relief to breast cancer patients who enter its doors.
Judy Chatigny, RN, MSN, executive director of Loma Linda University Cancer Center, says the funds will support the patient resource center, which offers support services for patients. The resource center offers services such as distress counseling, wigs and an appearance center, chair massages during treatments, transportation assistance and much more in hopes of helping patients with things that fall in the gap short of insurance coverage.
“It is amazing to partner with people who are true community servants who share our passion to ease suffering while trying to positively impact patients’ lives,” Chatigny says. “It is partnerships like these that are critical to patients getting all the resources they deserve during their cancer journey.”
In the month of October, the Loma Linda Firefighter’s Association designed custom breast cancer awareness T-shirts to sell to the community in an effort to raise funds for the Cancer Center.
Chris Dejong, president of the association, says this year they wanted to do more than they have in the past for October’s breast cancer awareness month. He said he’s grateful that the community shared their goal.
“Ultimately, the community is who supported this cause, and we could not have done it without them,” Dejong says. “We hope that these funds will impact so many lives and that this becomes a fundraiser we do for years to come.”
Chief Dan Harker says his team’s involvement in raising awareness and funds for those in need was an important cause to support.
“We all know people who have had cancer or lost their lives to cancer,” Harker says. “It is also one of the leading causes of death for firefighters, so any way we can help a cause related to cancer, we’re all in. I am very proud of what they have done for our community.”
Loma Linda University Cancer Center wants patients to know they are not alone on their journey if they have an unmet need. If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about the patient resource center, visit their website or call 1-800-782-2623.