Iowa City Firefighters Wear Pink to Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research

City Release

The pink shirts being worn by City of Iowa City Firefighters these days aren't due to a laundry mishap. They're part of a cancer awareness and fundraising campaign being led by the department to help raise funds for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network www.fcsn.net and the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center for breast cancer research. In addition to wearing the pink shirts while on duty for the next several days, Firefighters Local 610 will be selling the "Heroes Wear Pink" shirts to the public for $15 each, with proceeds being divided between the two cancer organizations.

This is the second year in a row the firefighters have orchestrated their pink shirt fundraiser, which last year raised more than $2,000. The local department has lost some firefighters to cancer, as well as a local firefighter's wife. "It became time to do more," said Firefighter Branden Sobaski about the decision to undertake the fundraising effort last year.

The fundraiser coincides with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. In addition to purchasing a t-shirt, local firefighters urge members of the Iowa City community to follow recommendations set by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation: Consult with your doctor to learn the risks, get screened, know what's normal for your body, make healthy lifestyle choices, and educate yourself about the risks and signs of breast cancer at http://ww5.komen.orgor www.nbcam.org. 

To order a t-shirt and support the firefighters' efforts, e-mail iowacityheroeswearpink@gmail.comor contact Branden Sobaski at 319.356.5261. Payment may be made either with cash or a check made out to Local 610. The t-shirts will be available for sale through the end of October or as long as supplies last. To follow the progress of this year's fundraising campaign, visit their Facebook page: Iowa City Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 610.