Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in the United States, accounting for about 30% of all new female cancers each year. Overall the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer in her life is about 13%. The good news is there are more than 3.8 million survivors of breast cancer in the United States.
This week we’d like to highlight a local organization, For 3 Sisters, that is dedicated to raising awareness and improving the lives of people affected by breast cancer. For 3 Sisters was founded by a retired Montgomery County Firefighter, Marshall Moneymaker, and his wife, after Marshall lost his three older sisters to breast cancer. For 3 Sisters provides financial support and case management services to the breast cancer community and educates the broader community about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
The Pink Fireman
Marshall, also known as the Pink Fireman, is a retired career firefighter for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services here in Maryland. He attended Damascus High School and worked his way through the cadet program until he was eventually stationed at Station 6 in Bethesda, Maryland. Between 2008 and 2010, Marshall lost this three older sisters to breast cancer. Marshall found relief after his sisters passed in supporting a breast cancer walk that used Station 6 as a pit-stop and that walk sparked a pink flame in Marshall. At the next breast cancer fundraising event, Marshall arrived wearing all pink. Not long after, The Pink Fireman was born when his captain, company and shift presented Marshall with pink firefighter turnout gear to recognize his efforts towards raising awareness about breast cancer.
“Vicky” the Pink Fire Engine
Vicky, formerly E61/E706, was a service fire engine for Station 6 in Bethesda, Maryland during the time Marshall was stationed there. After 15 years of service the fire engine was slated to be auctioned off and For 3 Sisters went to work to reunite Vicky and Marshall. After six months of negotiations, a procurement law stood in the way of For 3 Sisters purchasing Vicky directly. So Marshall and his wife participated in the equipment auction and won E61/E706. Over the next year, E61/E706 underwent a huge transformation and became the Pink Fire Engine and was renamed Vicky. Vicky’s first public appearance was on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 5th, 2021, at the Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Survivors Day Celebration.
Vicky’s mission is to deliver support, hope, and inspiration to the breast cancer and health communities. She does this through attending events and parades to raise awareness, delivers health information and resources to under-resourced and under-insured communities, inspires and promotes home and strength to breast cancer fighters, survivors and thrivers, and provides celebratory rides home for patients completing treatment or phases of treatment for breast cancer.
For 3 Sisters Programs
For 3 Sisters runs a number of programs to support breast cancer fighters and their families including, Road to Resources, Men’s Caregivers Support, McKenzie’s Corner, and the Power of ONE. The Road to Resources program addresses the need for integrative resource case management in the breast cancer community. This program takes on the burden of researching, applying for and receiving financial support. Through Road to Resources, each breast cancer fighter is assigned a Resource Case Manager who works to identify resources, complete the necessary paperwork required for the application, liaise with doctor’s offices and social workers, cover the cost associated with printing and postage, and perform the needed follow-up regarding the application’s approval.
For 3 Sisters Men’s Caregiver Support program is unique to the DMV and provides male caregivers of breast cancer patients a source of support outside of a clinical setting. This group meets in more social settings such as beer and wine tastings, athletic events and restaurants to allow caregivers a chance to talk or take a minute to care for themselves along with others who understand what they are going through.
McKenzie’s Corner is For 3 Sisters outreach to kids and is designed to engage kids in the efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and to help keep moms healthy. You’ll find McKenzie’s corner set up while the Pink Fireman is out in the community at events. Kids are invited to come over and color the Pink Fireman coloring sheet and read the Pink Fireman’s Letter which invites kids to be a helper and remind mom to keep healthy habits. Finally, the Power of ONE is an awareness and outreach initiative designed to educate and empower the community to take charge of their breast health.
Upcoming Events
For 3 Sisters has a number of community events in Montgomery County this October. Including the Pink Ribbon Romp, a virtual 5K run/walk event, during the entire month of October. Other events include:
October 13 – SSVFD Food Truck Night
October 22 – Sport & Health Bethesda Cycle-thon for Breast Cancer!
October 27 – SSVFD Food Truck Night
October 29-20 – Baking for Boobies
For more information visit the For 3 Sisters Facebook Event Page or the For 3 Sisters Event Calendar.