Photo Caption: Some of the Munster Firefighters/Association members who sold t-shirts to raise funding for the Cancer Resource Centre and presented the check from the proceeds include (back row, left to right) Battalion Chief Kevin Nowaczyk, Anthony Andello (Cancer Resource Centre), Chief Mark Hajduk, Firefighter Rick Herman Jr., Firefighter Rick Herman Sr., Vita Ayala (Cancer Resource Centre), (front, left to right) Marie Macke (Community Healthcare System) and Deputy Fire Chief Dave Strbjak.
In a joint venture between the Munster Fire Department and the Munster Firefighters Association, local firefighters sold and wore new t-shirts to raise awareness and funding to benefit cancer patients. Their efforts produced some $6,119 in funding. Proceeds will help to support classes and programs for cancer patients at the Cancer Resource Centre in Munster.
Deputy Chief Dave Strbjak said that for the past few years, the department has held the annual fundraising event during the month of October, also known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Firefighters Association, made up of past and present firefighters of the Munster Fire Department partnered with them on the project.
“It was a huge accomplishment driven by all of our firefighters both past and present, and so successful, despite the challenges of the pandemic,” Strbjak said.
Funds from the Munster department’s efforts benefit the Cancer Resource Centre in Munster. The resource center is a support program offered by the Community Cancer Research Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of cancer care in Northwest Indiana and the south Chicago suburbs. Since first opening its doors in 2003, the Cancer Resource Centre has offered all of its services free of charge to all who enter, including those receiving care from medical treatment facilities other than the hospitals of Community Healthcare System. The Centre is funded from donations and grants, in-kind donations and volunteer support.
Individuals may check out books, view videotapes and other educational material within the library or conduct internet searches to obtain research concerning diagnosis, treatment and general information. Groups gather in a safe, socially distanced environment to share experiences in social and professionally-led sessions for support. Virtual and actual classes and programs with COVID precautions in place are offered to help individuals connect in their experiences and to promote emotional wellbeing.
The Cancer Resource Centre is located at 926 Ridge Road in Munster. Satellite locations hold classes in Crown Point and Valparaiso. For more information on the mind-body-spirit programs and a complete listing of upcoming virtual classes and events, visit cancerresourcecentre.com or call 219-836-3349.