The Tyler Professional Fire Fighters Association (TPFFA) Turned Tyler Pink on Thursday, Oct. 15, as they hosted the Pink Heals Tour, an event to raise awareness of women’s cancer.
The Pink Heals Tour features pink fire trucks that travel across the country to raise awareness of women’s cancer. Each truck is signed by thousands of people who have been affected by cancer.
“The inspirational messages written on the trucks about the ravages of this disease and the spirit of those who are fighting it is something everyone should see,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, a breast cancer survivor. “This event was an opportunity for the entire community to come out and honor those who have been affected by cancer.”
Tyler was the first Texas city to be visited by the Tour which will go to 32 communities this fall. Area public safety officers, businesses, schools and citizens were urged to wear pink on this date to show that “Tyler cares enough to wear pink”.
The Turn Tyler Pink event featured a performance by local country singer Steve Simmons, food, fun, children’s activities, health information, free screenings and a blood drive. The highlight of the event was the pink fire engines as well as a very special presentation of a City of Tyler fire truck presented to the Pink Heals Tour in honor of Tonya Malcolm, the wife of a Tyler firefighter, who passed away in June 2009 after battling cancer.
In October 2008, the Tyler Fire Department wore and sold pink shirts as a fundraiser to benefit Tonya’s family. The firefighters sold nearly 3,800 shirts. Funds raised this year will be donated to local cancer organizations and to assist firefighters and their families battling cancer.
Sponsors for “Turn Tyler Pink” include the Tyler Firefighters, Tyler Police, Susan G. Komen For The Cure, American Cancer Society, ETMC Breast Care Center, ETMC Cancer Institute, ETMC EMS, Trinity Mother Frances/Ross Breast Center, Carter BloodCare, North East Texas Health District, Texas Oncology / Tyler Cancer Center, City of Tyler, Tyler CVB, Smith County, PECAT, Tyler Hematology/Oncology, Hospice of East Texas, Total Healthcare Center, Sunny 106.5, The Ranch 104.1, KYKX 105.7, and Hall GMC – Volvo.