In 2014, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) celebrated its 30th anniversary. Since its inception, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved, along with the National dialogue on breast cancer. Today, NBCAM recognizes that although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. As NBCAM celebrates its 30th anniversary, they remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health–by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes; scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms with their healthcare provider; adhering to prescribed treatment; knowing the facts about recurrence.
The third Friday in October each year is “National Mammography Day,” first proclaimed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. On this day, or throughout the month, women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment. In 2015, National Mammography Day will be celebrated on Friday, October 16.
Morrison Community Hospital first responders planned a first-time, t-shirt sale, to raise breast cancer awareness and support research. EMS Paramedic Cindy Nimmick stated, “From mid-July through Monday, August 31, we sold t-shirts. They were blue, pink, and ‘safety’ green.” EMS Director Steve Paulsen was actively involved, too.
Morrison, IL, Fire and Police Departments also donated.
For those who wish to purchase a shirt, there is a minimum for placing additional orders. MCH CEO Pam Pfister stated, “I believe it is four dozen. They are $20 a shirt. The contact person would be Cindy Nimmick at the hospital [815-772-4003].”
On Thursday, October 8, at MCH, 303 N. Jackson Street, Morrison, they presented both a symbolic and a real check to Tammy Kooi, representing the Quad Cities Susan G. Koman organization. Shirt sales made possible a donation of $850. Left-to-right are CEO Pam Pfister; Paulsen; Kooi; Morrison Police Chief Brian Melton; Morrison Fire Chief Dave Benters.
Representatives of the three first responder organizations amassed a large group, shown below, left-to-right. The front row of children includes Dillon and Carissa Schroth, Skylar Smith, and Wyatt Forster.
In row two are Nimmick; Jeannie Thurman; Kelly Jepson; Lisa Schaver; Pfister; Paulsen; Walter “Butch” Nimmick; Kooi; Renee Schroth; Amber Forster; Brooke Johnson.
In the back row are Police Officers Gabe Gomez and Lonnie Smith; Chief Melton; Chief Benters; Fireman Kent Shepard.
CEO Pfister displayed the back of the shirts, with compliance from Director Paulsen and Chiefs Melton and Benters.
