By Corporal Brian Schnell….
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs annually between October 1 and October 31, and was founded in 1985. The hard work, and countless contributions made to combat this vicious disease have certainly paid off as Breast Cancer is now one of the most survivable cancers known with an overall survival rate of 85%. Everywhere you look during the month of October, you will likely see a pink ribbon which symbolizes support to fight this dreaded disease. From celebrities to prominent politicians, from major corporations to sports franchises, it seems everybody is “on board” in this fight. The team includes the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department.
Miami-Dade County saw numerous “pink ribbon” events during the entire month. The 16th annual Susan G. Komen Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Race for the Cure took place on Saturday October 15, 2011 and included a 5k walk and run, a one mile fun walk and tot run at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. Our very own Corporal Melissa Porro and her son were on hand, and didn’t miss a moment of the action. “Very impressive!” is how she described the out pouring of support at the walk. “It is amazing to see just how many people, how many of our own loved ones are affected by this horrible disease.” Porro said. While she doesn’t know exactly how many attended this event, she described the crowd as “huge”.
On October 25th, the events made their way to Sunny Isles Beach, where the Trump International Beach Resort hosted the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation’s 6th annual Shades of Pink Masquerade Ball. Directly across the street from the ball, at the Trump International Beach Resort, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department proudly displayed the Miami Beach Police Department’s “Pink Power” marked police car, which is prominently painted pink and white and is adorned with Breast Cancer Awareness emblems. Corporal Porro coordinated with Miami Beach Police Officer Vivian Hernandez in order to display their vehicle here. The car was on display October 24th and 25th. Many tourists and visitors to our city took photo opportunities in front of the special police vehicle.
Breast cancer is a disease that affects all of us, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful tool to fight it. Given how successful and large this cause has become, there is no doubt that it will grow even larger and provide even more financial support toward the battle to defeat it, and the Sunny Isles beach Police Department will ALWAYS support the fight!
