David Graybill remembers taking all of his Christmas gifts to school when he was in third grade and giving them away to other students.
“I’ve always been frustrated with regular life,” said Graybill. “I always felt like I was supposed to do more before I died.”
So, it’s no surprise Graybill has organized Guardians of the Ribbon, a group of firefighters who drive three pink firetrucks around the country during September and October in an effort to promote fundraising for cancer research and awareness. Thus far, they’ve been to 900 cities and four countries. Graybill is looking to inspire those effected by cancer, but also those that haven’t been directly effected.
“Why wait till you get sick,” said Graybill.
This year, Graybill received a special request to visit Bartlett. Assistant Fire Chief Bill Anderson said he was motivated to hold a fundraiser after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago. He looked on-line and noticed the Guardians of the Ribbon were scheduled to visit Glenview Wednesday, Sept. 23 and asked that they first stop in Bartlett.
“This is important for Bartlett because it shows that we are supporting women and families in the community and raising awareness,” Anderson said.
The Bartlett Fire Protection District is selling pink T-shirts to raise money for the campaign and from Sept. 14 to Oct. 11, they will be wearing the shirts themselves. Proceeds from the shirts, which cost $15, will go to the Alexian Brothers Cancer Foundation, which operates the Alexian Brothers Breast Center located in Bartlett. As of Wednesday, they had raised roughly $4,000.
“Twenty dollars goes a long way,” said the center’s lead technician, Karen Bland. “It shows that someone out there cares. We can’t pay for their chemotherapy, but we can pay for little things.”
For instance, Bland said, the money could go toward a cab ride to chemotherapy or a dinner for the family.
Two-time breast cancer survivor of 18 years Donna Mcfintyre traveled three hours from Peoria to attend the event. Like hundreds of other women, she signed her name and left a message on one of the pink trucks. As she read the other notes left on the truck, her eyes welled up.
“It makes you want to cry,” she said.
According to Graybill, “Who needs Dr. Phil if pink will heal.”
To buy a T-shirt, call Fire Station 1 at (630) 837-3701.
