Taylor Daily Press – FD pink shirt profits donated

When someone gets diagnosed with breast cancer, that diagnosis can be frightening, confusing and overwhelming. Questions will abound: What’s next? What support is available? Will I survive?

Those seeking resources and support can turn to Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas (BCRC), a nonprofit organization founded by breast cancer survivors, said Marjorie Gallece, director of the group’s Williamson County Services Patient Navigators.

The organization has resource centers in Georgetown and Round Rock where patients can receive support and find factual information about breast cancer for free, she said.The organization plans to have a presence with resources such as books and support in Taylor in 2011 at Scott & White-Taylor as part of hospital expansion.

“We’re  working to expand our services in Williamson County,” Gallece said. The group recently received a donation of just under $1,200 from the Taylor Fire Department to help get services into Taylor, she said.

“We are thrilled about the fire department’s contribution,” she said.

To raise money for BCRC, the fire department sold pink T-shirts as part of their participation in the Pink Heals Tour, an organization of firefighters with pink fire trucks that travel the nation to spread awareness and raise money, said Taylor firefighter Matt Whisenant. Taylor firefighters also wore pink shirts for two weeks and joined other Williamson County fire departments in the Pink Heals Tour held in Georgetown in October.

“We want to thank the community for helping us out,” Whisenant said. “The BCRC is a great organization. They help out a lot of women.”

All of the funds raised in Taylor will help people in Taylor, he said.

The BCRC provides several services, including a free lending library with current, evidence-based information on breast cancer, a support hotline and peer-to-peer support, Gallece said.

All peer support is given by “Patient Navigators” who are breast cancer survivors, she said. The Navigators partner with a patient to clarify the diagnosis, assist with information and lend emotional support.

“All Navigators are breast cancer survivors so that we understand what the patient is going through,” Gallece said. “We want people to know there is help out there for them.”

The fire department still has T-shirts available for $15 at the fire department at 200 Washburn St., Whisenant said. The shirts are pink and read “Taylor Fire Department cares enough to wear pink,” and have the TFD insignia on the front.

“We’re going to try to do (the Pink Heals Tour) on an annual basis every October,” he said.

For more information on the Breast Cancer Resource Center, visit www.bcrc.org.