Hospital thanks HFD’s fundraising efforts
Jan. 7—HENDERSON — The firefighters sporting pink helmets and boots last year during one of three boot drives in front of Henderson Fire Department Station 1 on Dabney Drive weren’t just displaying support for breast cancer awareness — all of the money they collected goes directly to the Maria Parham Health Oncology Department’s Angel Fund, which has now raised close to $100,000 in eight years of action.
The Henderson Fire Department presented Maria Parham with a $20508 check on Wednesday, outside the oncology department. This was part of an ongoing fundraising partnership between both entities.
Hospital workers can see exactly what the funds are going towards, such as breast cancer screening. They are able to view the results in real-time.
Hope Breedlove, Maria Parham social worker, accepted Wednesday’s cashable, customary-sized check from Henderson Fire Department Chief Curtis Tyndall.
Breedlove stated that they are grateful. “We are so grateful for the partnership that has developed over the years with firemen and the Fire Department. I think it’s brought obviously us and the Fire Department closer but our community — the community being able to give locally to support patients has really been something that people have bought into.”
Maria Parham resumed breast cancer screening in 2013 after COVID had to suspend the program. Breedlove anticipates that this year’s Angel Fund will go towards a second screening event, to increase participation.
“Hopefully we’ll do more screenings for lung, colon — just trying to figure out more stuff we can do,” Kimberly Smith, the hospital’s cancer director, said of what the money can be used for.
Patients who meet certain criteria can use the Angel Fund to help them navigate their expensive copays or transport. In essence, it allows them to get care that they wouldn’t have otherwise.
On Wednesday, Battalion Chief Lee Edmonds performed the large ceremonial check. This was a representative of a department that has been struggling with the effects of cancer on their Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell for the past year.
They rallied behind their leader, who was only one year old when he presented the Angel Fund Check to the hospital. He also thanked the staffers for their kindness while caring for his father.
Edmonds stated, “It’s been a rollercoaster ride all year.” It’s a feeling that everyone feels at the fire station.
Cordell was unable to attend Wednesday’s hospital visit.
Smith stated, “We live and breathe it every single day because we take care of our patients.” Smith also said, “But, my heart goes out the firemen because, because they have lived it with their chief and they’ve watched it. When I saw Steve’s name at the bottom of the check, I felt emotional. We all want him to be here. Everyone wants him to be well and recover. That realization of how much life can change in one year is what really hit me. It’s important to be present in every moment and to enjoy it all, as life can quickly turn upside-down.
Smith and her colleagues treat patients who know this well. They have an important asset: the Angel Fund.