Well, it’s not a pink elephant on a skateboard! It is the Pink Heals Ambulance from Pink Heals of Western Illinois!! The Pink Ambulance travels within 100 miles of Carthage, Illinois, to spread information and provide support for those with cancer. Area residents will be able to view the Pink Heals Ambulance in Stronghurst, Illinois, on September 21st and in Oquawka on September 28th.
Pink Heals was founded on the premise that the heart of a woman is what holds families, communities, and countries together. It is no mistake that the Statue of Liberty is a woman, that Mother Nature rules the earth, or that our nation is referred to as the Motherland! Pink Heals uses the color Pink not for breast cancer, but because it is the color associated with women!
Deane Waller, Pink Heals Chapter President of Pink Heals of Western Illinois, said, “Who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way? This is our way of showing support, especially for the women, who are fighting this disease. People are invited to sign their name on the ambulance – whether they’re a cancer survivor or have been touched by cancer in some way.” People need to be aware that even though we commonly associate breast cancer with women, men can also contract breast cancer.
Pink Heals chapters operate by the sale of merchandise, gifts, local sponsorship, and in kind donations to maintain their vehicles, purchase gas, and travel throughout their districts to visit individuals and share the program. All proceeds stay within each chapter’s service area. Pink Ambulance or Firetruck volunteers spread love and support by visiting people with cancer at their homes. For more information or to schedule a visit from Pink Heals of Western Illinois, email pinkhealswesternillinois@gmail.com.
Attend the Stronghurst Fall Festival on September 21, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. AND the Schuyler Street Stroll in Oquawka on September 28, 2024, from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. to sign your name on the ambulance and support the mission of the Pink Heals Programs. Henderson County Health Department and Pink Heals of Western Illinois have collaborated to bring the Pink Ambulance to Henderson County.
Henderson County Health Department wrote a grant proposal and received funding from “Ticket for the Cure” to educate area residents about identifying the signs of breast cancer. Contact Karen Cole at Henderson County Health Department, 309-627-2812, ext. 230 or email at karen.cole@hendcohealth.com to learn more about how to schedule a presentation about breast cancer.
**Submitted by Karen Cole Henderson County Health Department**
