Cancer-fighting pink caravan to stop in McHenry County

Centegra Health System and a group called Guardians of the Ribbon have joined forces to bring pink fire trucks to McHenry County to support women in their fight against cancer and inspire men to get involved.

In one of only four stops in Illinois this year, these unique fire trucks will be at Centegra Hospital-McHenry's Parking Lot H from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, and Centegra Hospital-Woodstock's front lot from 3 to 5 p.m. also Tuesday.

The Guardians of the Ribbon was started in Phoenix by firefighter Dave Graybill. The group is making its way across the country and hopes to also gain awareness worldwide.

During their visit to McHenry County, all residents and Centegra Associates are encouraged to wear pink to show support for those battling cancer. Anyone who has been touched by cancer is welcome to attend the event and sign the trucks as they make their way across the country.

Local fire departments will join the rally by wearing pink. The Centegra Health System Foundation will be present for those wishing to donate to the Centegra Cancer Care Fund.

"We are thrilled to welcome the 2010 Pink Heals Tour to McHenry County," said Amy Moerschbaecher, executive director of Centegra Health System oncology services. "A great team of Centegra Associates worked extremely hard to bring the trucks to our community. The awareness these firefighters will bring to our area will show that we're all in this together and there is hope and support for those battling this disease."

Anyone who has been impacted by any type of cancer is welcome to attend the free event. For more information, visit centegra.org or call (877) CENTEGRA (236-8347). For more information on the Pink Heals Tour, visit pinkfiretrucks.org.