EL Paso County Sheriff’s Pink Patch Project Supports UCHealth Memorial Hospital Oncology Patients
This is the 2nd year that the Fraternal Order of Police – Lodge 9 and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office have participated in the Pink Patch Project. Members of the Sheriff’s Office and the public purchased a total of 1,418 patches with a total amount of $10,400.00 raised for the UCHealth Memorial Hospital Foundation – Circle of Hope Fund.
The Circle of Hope is a program that provides direct financial assistance to cancer patients to offset the costs of the disease and treatment. Circle of Hope funds help cover transportation, food, supportive cancer treatments not covered by insurance, medical supplies, lodging for patients and caregivers, living expenses (house payments/rent, car repairs/insurance, utilities), and complementary therapies provided by Memorial Hospital, but not covered by insurance.
The Pink Patch Project originally started by the Los Angeles County Police Chief’s Association (LACPCA) as an innovative campaign designed to increase public awareness about breast cancer and to raise funds for the fight against the disease. The Pink Patch Project is a collaborative effort between the LACPCA and over 220 public safety agencies throughout the United States. The program centers on vibrant pink versions of the agency’s uniform patches. Officers from the participating agencies wore these pink patches on their uniforms during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” this October. The pink patches are intended to stimulate conversation within the community and to encourage public awareness about early detection and treatment in the fight against this disease. As a part of this program, participating agencies sold pink patches to the community, shirts, coins and other items. Proceeds from the sale of the commemorative items go to fund breast cancer education, research, and treatment. In 2016, the program raised in excess of $320,000.00 nationwide.