UKIAH, Calif. – Four pink fire trucks filled with firefighters dressed in pink and towing a giant ribbon will be making their way to Alex Thomas Plaza on Wednesday, Sept. 19, to bring help and hope to those in our community dealing with cancer.

Unlike other organizations the funds that are raised by the Pink Heals Fire Trucks stay in the communities they visit, which is one of the reasons that Diane Pulliam, event organizer had a passion to bring them to Ukiah.

“I happened to be on Facebook and saw someone post something about the Pink Heals fire trucks. I did some research and thought this would be an awesome way to build community involvement and help support our Cancer Resource Center of Mendocino County at the same time. I’ve been working on this for almost a year now, and am tickled pink, to say it’s actually happening,” shared Pulliam.

When asked what her reasons were for supporting the Cancer Resource Center Pulliam said, “In December of 2008 I was diagnosed with inflammatory Ductal Carcinoma, stage 3. The Cancer Resource Center, my local doctors, and Ukiah Valley Medical Center all helped me get the care and support I needed. I really want to give back to the Cancer Resource Center since they helped me when I was diagnosed. Residents in our community need to understand how lucky we are to have a local resource like the Cancer Resource Center.”

Pulliam added, “Once the Pink Heals reach Alex Thomas Plaza there will be a parade of emergency service vehicles, including the Pink fire trucks, kids’ games, bounce house, food, Pink Glam Contest and free informational booths about resources our community has for those dealing with cancer.”

In addition to the main event the Pink Heals fire trucks will also be making a scheduled stop at Ukiah Valley Medical Center.

“I’m excited,” said Russell Hardy, M.D., oncologist at the Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center, “It really inspires patients to let them know someone cares about them and can have a positive influence on their outcomes.”

That’s a sentiment also shared by UVMC CEO, Gwen Matthews. “This is really going to be fun and encouraging to our guests, and we are grateful that the Pink Heals have chosen to make Ukiah Valley Medical Center a destination on their journey through Ukiah.”  

Pink Heals is an organization that was started by Dave Graybill, a former pro athlete, retired firefighter, philanthropist and founder of the international Pink Heals movement.

Ukiah will be part of a 73-city Pink Heals tour which began on July 28 and will conclude on Oct. 15 in Phoenix.

The Pink Heals fire trucks will be on the UVMC campus from  9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Festivities at Alex Thomas Plaza will begin at noon and end at 6:30 p.m.

For more information contact Diane Pulliam at 707-485-0994.