Fundraiser Benefits Breast Cancer Patients
The Wood County Sheriff’s Department is offering pink shoulder patches and pins to the public as part of a broader fundraising effort for those battling breast cancer.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit cancer patients through the Aspirus UW Cancer Center Patient Fund in Wisconsin Rapids and the WINGS Cancer Survivorship Program through Marshfield Clinic.
The department was inspired by a Marshfield Police Department fundraiser in May which sold special patches for autism awareness.
“We were looking for ideas to raise some funds for one of our deputy’s wives who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and recently she had delivered their baby daughter,” Sheriff Shawn Becker.
At first, funds were raised just within the department and other law enforcement agencies. Deputies could be spotted wearing the pink patches on their uniforms this past summer.
“It was very successful,” Becker said. “We were really happy that the department stepped up to help out the deputy’s family through a tough time.”
As the fundraiser concluded, and with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October just around the corner, the Sheriff’s Department decided to order more patches and some pins to sell for the cause.
To order a patch for $10, or a pin for $5, email the sheriff at [email protected] or private message the Wood County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page. Shipping is $1.
Marshfield Police Department is also selling patches for local breast cancer support which can be purchased for $10 by stopping at the station between 7:30-4:30 p.m. or by messaging the department’s Facebook page. Autism patches are also still available for that price.