Dupage Policy Journal

As October ended, the good works of the Village of Lombard's firefighters remained a vivid memory.

The hard-working firefighters recently presented a $2,465 check to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital’s Cancer Care Center, which will assist with the purchase of wigs for women who have lost their hair during cancer treatment.

The proceeds were raised by the fire department during a pink-shirt campaign, in which firefighters could voluntarily purchase and wear the shirts in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month during October.

“We wanted our proceeds from the shirt sales to stay local because we want to benefit the community that we serve,” firefighter Bob Hopper, who helped organize the annual fundraiser, said. “We felt that the Good Samaritan Cancer Care Center was the perfect place to donate to because of its relationship with Lombard residents.”

The shirts also were made available for purchase by the general public. A special group photo was taken of both Lombard residents and local firefighters wearing their pink shirts during the department’s Open House back on Oct. 7. The Lombard Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 3009 made additional donations to the project, which were included in the final total.

Good Samaritan Hospital serves the Lombard area and continues to work closely with the Lombard Fire Department. The Cancer Care Center offers a comprehensive and integrated cancer program that includes state-of-the-art medical treatment, as well as wig services. The American Cancer Society partnered with Good Samaritan Hospital in 2012 to open the Wig Boutique. The American Cancer Society said the Wig Boutique provides approximately 50 patient wigs on an annual basis.

Residents wishing to participate in next year’s pink-shirt event should email communications@villageoflombard.org to be notified when shirts become available for purchase in 2016. For more information, please contact Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Howell at 630-620-5761.