When 3 of My sisters shared they had breast cancer, I took the news hard. I was angry, confused, and regretful at times, but most of all I was sad; sad to face the reality that I would lose 3 sisters to breast cancer.  Nevertheless, my fire department shift stood by my side. Despite missing meals, secluding myself from my shiftmates, and terrible mood swings, 6B-shift kept a weathered eye on me. After Vicky (2/2008), Penny (6/2010), and Valessa (9/2010) passed away, I found a ray of hope when a breast cancer walk used my fire house parking lot as a pit-stop one brisk September day. Amazingly enough, after all I had been through, my shift didn't hesitate a minute to pitch in and join in supporting the walkers as they passed through.The pink faded from the parking lot after that September weekend, but not from my heart. Over the next few months, my shift would watch me evolve into a... well... turn into a... ummm... well just turn PINK! In Feb 2011, my shift and their families continued to show support for me and for breast cancer awareness by attending a local Bowl for the Cure Event. I was decked out in pink from head to toe - not as The Pink Fireman - that would come later! Not long after the Bowl for the Cure, my wife received a call from my captain. A retired Chief from the department, along with equipment representative, came up with the idea of presenting me with pink fire fighter turnout gear. The Chief and company, along with my shift wanted to surprise me with all pink gear and a matching helmet, to recognize my efforts towards raising awareness about breast cancer. My wife was in - the plotting began. It wouldn't be until April 2011 that I would be surprised with the pink gear. In front of the media, family, co-workers, and shiftmates, I became The Pink Fireman. I have also started my own nonprofit helping fighters and survivors.

Marshall Moneymaker
Bethesda, MD