The pink fire engine and transportation coach, two Morrison Police escort squads, and a Firehouse of God Ministries ambulance were an hour late arriving at Morrison Community Hospital, 303 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, IL, on Monday, July 7, 2014. Their scheduled visit was set from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nevertheless, the crowd waited patiently. You see, the tardy firefighters aboard those vehicles were delivering a pink rose and white carnation to three Morrison women who are–or have been–in a battle for their lives.
The trio were chosen by the local hospital; Home of Hope in Dixon, IL, supplied the mini-bouquets. In this photo, left-to-right, are Morrison’s courageous commandos: Valerie Stern and Becky Damhoff and floral recipients Vicky Frederick, Shawn Soenksen, and Sharon Deter.
MCH arranged this unique way to encourage women who are fighting–or have won the battle over–any kind of cancer, by hosting a stop on the “Pink Heals” Nation-wide tour. It originated in Sedona, AZ, and will return there.
By the time first responders complete their 10,000 mile journey, names of women from across the Country will be displayed, so Americans can see how many women are affected by cancer.
Today’s itinerary began in Dixon, followed by visits to Morrison, Sterling, and Rock Falls, IL.
Firefighter Dennis Goodman of Freeport, IL, volunteered on the truck. He explained pink uniform pants were not available for him, but he did wear the appropriate colored shoelaces. Freeport will receive a “Pink Heals” visit on Sunday, July 20. Next month he flies to Texas to join the National tour, where he will drive trucks and police cars to New Jersey, during an 18-day shift.
Morrison fireman John VanDerLeest, below, posed with his 2-year-old grandson Eli Anthony VanDerLeest, of Clinton, IA. He kneels before an vehicle named Leslie. Each fire engine among these “Guardians of the Ribbon” is dedicated to a woman who did not survive cancer. The one that came to Morrison is in memory of Police Officer Leslie Anne Hulse, 1972 – 2009. On the driver’s side door is a plaque stating, “…This truck is dedicated to her memory as she taught us to ‘get up and live….'”
Mick Welding, MCH Director of Marketing, offered a few words about this tour. Surrounding the pink fire engine, many women then searched for space to write names, transferring deep emotion with each letter. Darlene Foster, Morrison, has defeated the disease three times. She signed her name and wrote, “Hope. Faith. Courage.”
“MCH receptionist Amy Dodge stated, “They sold t-shirts left and right!” Shirt sales pay for fuel for the fleet of vehicles. That is the only funding the group accepts.
Welding asked a volunteer how today’s attendance compared to other stops. The reply was, “every bit as big as ones we’ve been to.” He was “very impressed” with the turnout.
The “Pink Heals” team also was “very grateful” that Morrison Fire Chief Dave Benters and fireman Jamie White treated them to lunch, at Family Chef Restaurant, 701 W. Lincolnway, Morrison. That does not usually happen, he noted.
Participants wore pink t-shirts, too. The staff from Windsor Manor Assisted Living Community wore newly-designed rosy, casual Friday shirts. Shown left-to-right are Business Manager Kim Straight; Life Enrichment Coordinator Shelby McBride; Wellness Director Stephanie Neas, RN; Executive Director Danielle Vance; Maintenance Director Shawn Fritz; Culinary Director Pam Scanlan.
Area residents were invited to the Firehouse Fire Museum, 403 W. 2nd Street, Rock Falls, at 6:00 p.m. There were additional activities and pink fireworks.
Visit www.pinkfiretrucks.org for more information about the “Pink Heals” campaign.