NFD supporting breast cancer awareness

To continue an idea that started last year, the Newton Fire Department is selling pink T-shirts and sweatshirts in support of the Jasper County Pink Ribbon Support Group. The firefighters will also be wearing the shirts during the month of October to show support of the cause.

“We do a lot of stuff on a bigger scale. We’ve given to Blank Children’s Hospital, the MDA and the burn foundation and that is a lot of stuff outside of our community. This time, we really wanted to just try to support the people that really support us,” NFD firefighter Rick Norrish said.

Last year, the department began wearing pink during the month of October to show support for breast cancer awareness. This year, they decided to take it to the next level by selling shirts and have been happily surprised by the response they have received.

“Our numbers have far exceeded what we thought we would have,” Norrish said. “I thought, when we started, a lofty goal would be 100 shirts, and we’ve exceeded that and we have more and more coming all of the time. It is really great that we can hopefully give a sizable donation to them.”

The Jasper County Pink Ribbon Support Group is a group that helps women find the support they need for dealing with the implications of breast cancer. They also help the families, fighters and survivors that are dealing with all stages of diagnosis.

“We have patients that are in their last stages of cancer and we really want to help support those families,” Norrish said. “It’s a difficult thing for us to see on a daily basis. Anything we can do to help support them.”

The T-shirts are available for $12 and sweatshirts for $20 through Friday. Sizes range from small to 3XL with an additional $2 charged for XXL and 3XL. Order forms are available at the Newton Fire Department, 402 S. Second Ave. For more information contact the department at 641-792-3347.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com