Pocono News Section

2009 Pink Heals Tour Stops in Hazleton

2009 Pink Heals Tour Stops in Hazleton - Monday, September 28, 2009 at 1:41PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Monday, Sep 28, 2009 @ 01:41pm EDT
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY -- Fire trucks rolled into the South Side station in Hazleton Monday morning. These were pink fire trucks in support of breast and other cancers affecting women.

Judy Verticchio said, "I'm a survivor since 2001 and I've been a supporter of anything for breast cancer so here I am."

Pat Jones added, "It's wonderful for them to be dedicated to this to just take this around for everyone to see - it's amazing."

These trucks are covered with tens of thousands of signatures from all over the country. One of the organizers tells us that each name has a unique story.

"Pink Heals Tour" Organizer Dave Graybill said, "I have a 12-year old double vasectomy on here, and I have a 92 year-old survivor, I've got thousands and thousands of stories."

"I wanted to get my daughters name on the truck - she is a cancer survivor of 2 years right now, she had leukemia, and lymphoma, so we're pleased she's still in remission," said Jones.

Dave Graybill wants to inspire people - that's why he started the "Pink Heals Tour" last year. Graybill is a Glendale, AZ firefighter who uses his own vacation time to travel around America with his patented pink fire trucks.

"I just love people, & there's no catch to it, cancer doesn't car what church you go to - cancer doesn't care who you vote for, so, ah, as a man - why not stand up for our women and children first," said Graybill.

Hazleton was one of just 36 cities featured on the 2009 "Pink Heals Tour."

Graybill himself does not solicit or collect any money. He just aims to inspire. 900 local fire companies including the Hazleton Fire Department have adopted his program, and raise money through shirt sales and other ways.

This year the Hazleton Fire Department is selling shirts for 9-year-old Shay-Lynn Mahon - a young girl who suffers from a rare blood vessel cancer.