MUNSTER – The Community Cancer Research Foundation received a donation of $1,000 from the Hammond Fire Department, in support of breast cancer research in Northwest Indiana.

“We are grateful for the support of the Hammond Fire Department,” said Mary Shields, director of the Community Cancer Research Foundation. “Our mission is to bring the latest research advances in cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention to patients right here in our community. This donation will assist us in those efforts, specifically for breast cancer patients.”

The fire department worked in conjunction with a local T-shirt company to design the pink shirts in adult and children sizes. The firefighters raised the $1,000 over a week and a half period.

“The Hammond Fire Department has participated in the pink shirt fundraiser for many years, as part of the International Association of Fire Fighter’s desire to provide support in the fight against breast cancer,” said Philip Scheeringa, firefighter and secretary of Hammond Firefighters Local 556. “In the past, the money has been donated to Susan G. Komen^® but this year we wanted the funds to benefit a local organization. The Community Cancer Research Foundation was a natural fit.”

Community Cancer Research Foundation links patients with research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and other major research cooperatives worldwide. The three hospitals of Community Healthcare System – Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart – offer patients access to research for prevention and/or treatment for every stage of breast cancer, from Ductal Carcinoma In Situ or DCIS (considered a Stage 0 Breast Cancer) to advanced disease. The Foundation also offers patient access to research for the prevention and/or treatment of lung, prostate, skin and colon cancers, lymphoma, adult leukemia and multiple myeloma.

To learn more about the mission of the Community Cancer Research Foundation, visit myccrf.com.