October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and law enforcement agencies across the Valley are swapping their traditional uniform patches all month for pink versions. The patches are also available for sale to the public. It’s all part of their mission to support the Marjorie E. Radin Breast Care Center at Clovis Community Medical Center. 
 
The pink patches will be worn by 15 Valley agencies this year, including the Fresno, Clovis, Kerman and Reedley police departments, and the Fresno and Madera County Sheriff’s departments. The patches are uniquely designed for each department. 
 
“You will see [Fresno Police] Chief Paco Balderrama walking around with a pink patch on his shoulder. You’ll also see former Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims, who is a breast cancer survivor herself, wearing a patch,” said Katie Zenovich, Senior Vice President of Development & External Affairs with Community Health System’s Office of Philanthropy. 

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women 

“As of January 2022, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment,” according to nonprofit Breastcancer.org.
 
An estimated 43,250 will die in 2022 from breast cancer, said the group.
 

How to purchase your own Pink Patch

You can join law enforcement’s breast cancer awareness efforts by purchasing your own pink patch through the end of October. One-hundred percent of the proceeds stays local to support patients at the Marjorie E. Radin Breast Care Center. 
 
Last year, the project raised $130,000 to help provide state-of-the-art equipment for patients such as 3D, contrast-enhanced mammography — a more precise type of diagnostic imaging — now available to patients in the Valley.
 
The Radin Breast Care Center also offers genetic testing, cancer care and reconstructive surgery — all in one place — using the most advanced technology available. 
 
“It's important for the Central Valley and surrounding communities to know that there is world-class, top-notch breast cancer care at Community,” said Zenovich. “Donations from fundraisers like Pink Patch make it possible for us to secure this advanced technology.” 
 
For more information, to purchase a pink patch and to learn how you can support the Marjorie E. Radin Breast Care Center, visit ValleyPinkPatch.org.