CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Every October, Cherry Point and the neighboring community join together to combat breast cancer and inform the community to stay vigilant and aware of prevention measures.
Cherry Point Fire and Emergency services and the Havelock community are helping to raise awareness this year by sporting pink breast cancer awareness t-shirts.
“The team (Cherry Point Fire Department staff) wanted to do it for breast cancer and the local community – it’s just our willingness to give back,” said C. Josh Boudreau, the chief steward for American Federation of Government Employees local 2065.
The American Cancer Society predicts that an estimated 7,430 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year in North Carolina.
Michael A. Barbour, a firefighter with Cherry Point Fire Station 1, has been acutely aware of the disease and its effects since 2011.
In May of 2011, Barbour’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Getting checked is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of a diagnosis and treatment, said Barbour.
In addition to talking about Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Cherry Point, the fire department is also making a statement with their pink shirts out in town.
“When they see a bunch of guys rolling in off of a fire truck wearing pink, it makes a statement,” Said Boudreau.
The department is encouraging the community to get mammograms regularly and to stay up-to-date with their health. “An afternoon in the doctor’s office can prevent a lifetime of sickness,” said Boudreau. This is Cherry Point’s Fire and Emergency Services’ first year wearing the pink shirts and they intend to continue this newly-founded tradition.
“I’m proud to wear pink, because it’s for the people who are battling (breast cancer) every day. They are going through so much and this is the least I can do,” said Barbour.
Also in recognition of Breast Cancer awareness month, Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point is offering screenings upon request. For more information about how you can get involved, contact the fire department at (252) 466-2351 or contact the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point Wellness Department at (252) 466-0277.