Pink Fire Trucks Spread Breast Cancer Awareness and Education

Spectators cheered as pink fire trucks pulled into the parking lot of Evanston Plaza on Dempster Street and Dodge Avenue Wednesday afternoon.

Volunteers, vendors and supporters gathered as the trucks passed through Evanston for the first time on the Pink Heals Tour.

Pink Heals drives pink fire trucks and police cars across America bringing the “Cares Enough to Wear Pink” and Pink Heals Movement to help communities spread breast cancer awareness and encourage fundraising.

“It [Pink Heals Tour] raises the awareness of cancer for all women. This is a way that men, women and children can get factual, concise, clear information about all cancers that impact all of us,” said organizer and Evanston Health Director Evonda Thomas-Smith.

The Evanston health department, fire department and police department teamed up to facilitate the tour in Evanston with support from community vendors like the American Cancer Society, Walgreens, New York Life, Evanston Public Library, Erie Family Health Care Center and Heartwood Center for Body, Mind and Spirit.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to bring education and awareness to Evanston,” said event organizer and Evanston fireman and paramedic Jamaine Collins. “I think it’s important to get the community out and let them see that not only are firemen firemen, not only are they paramedics, but they’re also health educators, and this is part of it.” 

Community vendors saw the value of supporting one another in the fight against breast cancer as well.

“I just see now more than ever how important it is for us to come together as communities for a good cause and fight back against this disease that has taken far too many lives and affected so many people. “ said American Cancer Society representative Meaghan McDohagh.