Proceeds to Benefit the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of Day Kimball Healthcare

Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) recently received a $3,700 donation from the Putnam Police Department’s Pink Patch Project, a fundraiser created to help support local patients fighting breast cancer. 

The Pink Patch Project is an innovative public awareness campaign, championed by law enforcement departments across the United States, designed to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer and to support breast cancer research organizations in combating this devastating disease.

This marks the third year that the Putnam Police Department has participated in the Pink Patch Project fundraiser, in which pink law enforcement patches are sold to the community and proceeds are donated to local cancer centers. The patches are intended to encourage discussion among citizens about the importance of early detection and treatment in the ongoing fight against breast cancer. 

Putnam Police officers also replaced their standard shoulder patch with their variation of the Pink Patch throughout the month of October to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.

“The Putnam Police Department is proud to have participated in the Pink Patch Project once again,” said Putnam Police Chief Chris Ferace. “We all have been touched by breast cancer in one way or another and we are honored to wear this patch in recognition of the thousands of individuals who have been affected.”

The department’s commitment to raising breast cancer awareness among those they serve doesn’t end in October. A pink patch themed police vehicle featuring bright pink – the signature color of the breast cancer movement – can be seen around town and at local events throughout the year to raise awareness for the cure and prevention of breast cancer among the community. 

“The Pink Patch Project has been very well received here in the community and is a unique way for us to draw attention to breast cancer awareness,” said Putnam Police Captain Justin Lussier. “Anything we can do to raise awareness and contribute to finding a cure locally is something we are eager to be a part of. We’re here to serve our community and this is just another way of doing it.”

100% of proceeds from the Pink Patch Project will go toward the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH which provides financial assistance for cancer-related screening and treatment services to individuals living in Northeast Connecticut who otherwise may not have the financial resources to obtain needed medical attention.

“We are extremely grateful to the Putnam Police for choosing us as their beneficiary for this year’s Pink Patch Project,” said Kyle Kramer, chief executive officer, Day Kimball Healthcare. “It’s especially gratifying to see this kind of support in what we know are challenging times for everyone. This generous donation will further our commitment to caring for those in our community diagnosed with cancer and underscores the strength of our partnership with our local law enforcement and the value of collaboration. With a combined effort, we are able to increase breast cancer awareness and get the word out about the importance of prevention and early detection to more people. We also recognize and celebrate our officers for their heroic efforts in keeping our region safe every day, especially this year, as they continue to serve on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

To learn more about the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH, visit www.daykimball.org/nectcancerfund. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Chief Chris Ferace and Captain Justin Lussier represented the Putnam Police Department and delivered the proceeds from this year’s Pink Patch Project fundraiser, a spirited annual event that raises awareness and funds for breast cancer, to Kristen Willis, Director of Development, Day Kimball Healthcare.