Pink police patches aid local cancer program

2 years ago

CARIBOU, Maine — This past October, the Maine State Police and the Maine State Troopers Foundation took on the 2021 Pink Patch Initiative to support Maine-based cancer charities. This year, Pink Aroostook, a Cary Medical Center program, was selected to receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of special pink patches. 

Col. John Cote, chief of the Maine State Police, stated, “Cancer continues to impact many Maine families and we hope our efforts can make a difference in their treatments and the battles they face.” 

The Maine State Troopers Foundation sold pink-themed Maine State Police patches at $10 each. In addition to selling the patches, the Maine State Police outfitted two cruisers with pink decals to help raise awareness of breast cancer during the month of October. 

The Maine State Police and the Maine State Troopers Foundation took on the 2021 Pink Patch Initiative, selling patches like this, to support Maine-based cancer charities. Pink Aroostook received $5,000 from the initiative. (Courtesy of Cary Medical Center)

Retired Trooper Mark Nickerson stated, “It is an honor for the Maine State Troopers Foundation to partner with the Maine State Police in support of breast cancer awareness month. Cancer touches so many lives not only directly but also indirectly to all the family, friends, and the professionals who work in this field to treat people afflicted with this terrible disease.” 

Lt. Brian Harris from the Maine State Police presented Pink Aroostook Coordinator Cindy Blanchette, RNC, with a $5,000 check from the Maine State Police and the Maine State Troopers Foundation.

Their goal was to sell patches to help support Pink Aroostook and Sarah’s House. 

Pink Aroostook is part of Cary Medical Center in Caribou. They are a breast health program offering support, awareness, education and advocacy to those with breast cancer in northern Maine. 

Sarah’s House in Holden offers a comfortable place to stay for people traveling from afar to receive cancer treatments and care.