FORT WALTON BEACH — Six years ago Ocean City-Wright firefighters decided to try something new in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Now, they are one of the top donors of cancer research in the area.
This year is no exception, they say.
“This is something that affects everyone. We all have someone we’ve lost to it. We know someone who’s survived, someone who’s fighting,” Ocean City-Wright Capt. Ryan Christen said. “It’s an extremely important cause to get involved with and help find a cure.”
Firefighters wear pink shirtsthroughout October and sell them online and at their station on Racetrack Road. All proceeds go to the local American Cancer Society.
This year the department also will auction a quilt made by resident Elaine Bryars and paid for by A1 Auto and Diesel. The king-sized quilt features all six shirts worn by the firefighters over the years.
The Fire Department raised $2,500 last year and hopes to meet its goal of $3,000 this year.
“The community involvement that has transpired through this has been amazing,” Christen said. “Last year we were in the top 20 teams in the area to raise money. We want to be in the top 10 this year.”
The quilt will be raffled off Oct. 26 at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Village Baptist Church in Destin. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 at the Ocean City-Wright Fire Department or at events where the department sells its shirts.
“We want to see more people starting teams and joining the fight,” Christen said. “We need to raise as much awareness as possible. We want to find a cure.”