On Friday, Nov. 6, crews with the Mesquite Fire Department presented a check for $2,420.87 to Yoli Bell, the founder and organizer of the Mesquite Cancer Help Society (MCHS), from efforts during their “Pink Boot Drive.” The drive was new to the community and proved to be quite fruitful despite several emergency calls that came in during scheduled shifts, preventing collection several times that week.

Crew members with Mesquite Fire & Rescue as well as City Officials and cancer survivors joined to present a check from MFR for their Pink Boot Drive that was held the last week in October. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.

Crew members with Mesquite Fire & Rescue as well as City Officials and cancer survivors joined to present a check from MFR for their Pink Boot Drive that was held the last week in October. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.

Bell graciously accepted the check, stating that the program is literally swimming in funds now. “If this continues, before I know it, we will be able to pay for radiation and/or chemotherapy. We are just so blessed with this community.” She later added jokingly that “With everyone pitching in and helping, I am still working hard, but not killing myself doing so.”

October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month status began in 1985 and has been observed in Mesquite for the past several years. Each year proves that the community cares and wants to fight together to help find a cure.

“We all know somebody who has been affected by this disastrous disease. All we want is to do our part for a cure that we are thoroughly invested in,” said Fire Chief Kash Christopher. And, while cancer certainly doesn’t take any time off, plans for next year’s events are already underway.

“We have the annual pancake breakfast to kick it off now,” said Christopher. Ideas continued to form at the presentation such as designating a “Pink Day” in Mesquite.  The Mesquite Fire Department will continue their sales of the infamous pink shirts that have been seen throughout October so that residents and visitors can purchase them at any time, not just in October.

According to MFR Executive Assistant Lindy Hulet, they will have sizes up to 4x available for just $20. The monies raised year round will be given to the MCHS.

“This time next year I think we should have sweatshirts,” said Deputy Fire Chief Rick Resnick. “We’re thinking of doing the ribbon as fire hoses instead.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Bell said.

But that wasn’t all that was revealed at the presentation. According to Bell, nearly $3,400 was also raised during the annual breakfast and Zumbathon in late October.

“This Fire Department is the best,” said Mayor Al Litman. “These are things they choose to do and then they do it right.”