We CARE to WEAR Pink

San Mateo County Firefighters are proud to be apart of the IAFF’s “Cancer Awareness and Relief Effort” (C.A.R.E.). Each year we sell and wear shirts in accordance with IAFF Convention Resolution 21, http://www.iaff.org/Events/2010Convention/Resolutions/No_21_Care_Enough_to_Wear_Pink_Fnl.pdf which states:

Cancer affects millions of people all over the world, and the fact that there is a proven correlation between fire fighting and cancer, confirm both the need to eradicate the terrible disease and, until a cure is found, help alleviate the suffering of its victims.

2009 the American Cancer Society expected about 1,479,350 new cancers to be diagnosed in the U.S. This year about 562,340 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day.

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases of them all, we need to come together to fight it, which means more of us who haven’t been affected need to step up and lead the way. Therefore, fire fighters will don pink to show women that we care enough to wear their color.

Firefighters and Paramedics normally wear blue shirts 365 days a year, for three days we can wear pink, and give an image of hope and encouragement to those who fear being alone in their battle for life.

The International Association of Fire Fighters recognize, support, and encourage its members to participate in a local fundraising and awareness campaign such as the “Cancer Awareness and Relief Effort” (C.A.R.E.) in honor of women fighting cancer. Each local may create its own union made pink shirts to wear for up to six days in early October (on duty if approved by its department), and sell to the public throughout the month of October. Each local will donate at least 50% of funds raised to women’s cancer organizations of its choice; the remaining funds will be used for our fire fighters and their dependents battling cancer including the “Fire Fighters Cancer Support Network.”