Hope the Pink Ambulance

cessful as they were, greatly relied on a near face-to-face approach to the targeted audience before the message could be delivered and usually involved being at events that were already breast cancer related. In a nut shell, the breast cancer awareness campaign was targeting people who where, essentially, already aware. While the West Tennessee Women’s Center was looking to expand their message of breast cancer awareness, detection and prevention, Medical Center EMS, and their community outreach and education program, was looking for an opportunity to get involved in the fight. EMS had the dream of transforming a decommissioned ambulance, in ill repair and currently used as an education and training unit, into a rolling breast cancer awareness “billboard”. The idea was to convert the ambulance color scheme by replacing the traditional orange striping with pink striping, adding pink stars of life and also placing traditional pink ribbons on the truck. By chance, representatives from EMS and the Women’s Center happen to be together at a completely unrelated event and a discussion began about the obstacles and goals that both were facing. Both recognized the strengths and weakness of each other’s plans and the benefits of working together toward the common goal. And with that, a partnership was formed. The newly formed partnership immediately began moving forward with their project. The first stop was Mitchell’s Body Shop for a cost estimate of the work needed to convert the ambulance. When Andy Spence, owner or Mitchell’s Body Shop, heard of the plans, he volunteered his time and service to the project. Spence had been affected by cancer and wanted to help with the mission of spreading awareness. Mitchell’s Body Shop immediately began work to refurbish the truck. Over the next few weeks a complete transformation occurred including cosmetic repairs, new paint, new upholstery and new accessories. All the parts, supplies and labor were donated by Mitchell’s and Mr. Spence asked for nothing in return. He and his employees were simply excited that their craftsmanship was part of a community project aimed at fighting cancer. Next on the list for the project were graphics and design and a trip to Signs First, a local sign and graphics company. As did Mitchell’s Body Shop, when management of Signs First learned the purpose of the project they also offered to design, print and apply the graphics at no cost. In addition, the Signs First team also designed decals in the form of pink breast cancer awareness ribbons and applied them to the entire Medical Center EMS fleet, some 25-plus vehicles. The transformation of the vehicle was complete. All that was left was to find a fitting name. And what name could be more appropriate than “Hope”? Hope was unveiled to the public on October 1, 2012, just in time to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Her first appearance was at a filming of “Health Watch”, a weekly television segment produced by West Tennessee Healthcare and the local ABC affiliate that brings viewers health tips on a variety of topics. The response to the segment was immediate and overwhelming as multiple requests were received for Hope to participate at local events. Hope was outfitted with signage and handouts that focused on breast cancer awareness, early detection and prevention. These materials allowed Hope to interact with visitors to promote the mission no matter the location or demographic. In addition, an “Honor Banner” allowed participants to sign the names of victims, fighters and survivors of breast cancer. The banner traveled with Hope and served as a mobile memorial to those who have fought, and are fighting, the disease. These tools, along with the near unlimited mobility, allowed Hope to spread awareness in a way that had been previously unattainable. Throughout the month of October, Hope had a busy schedule. She made appearances at elementary schools, high school and colleges; civic luncheons and community celebrations; parades and football games; government buildings and private businesses; anywhere and everywhere. Hope attended over thirty events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and crossed paths with literally thousands of people. Many of those people were simply passing by and noticed an unusual pink ambulance. Their curiosity led them to investigate further and in the process, hopefully they gained a little knowledge that may help to save their life or the life of someone they love. And that was the goal….to spread awareness to as many places as possible and to educate as many people as possible, people that otherwise might have remained uninformed. If only one life was changed, then the project was a success. But the fact remains: 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and the best chance of survival is early detection. So, the fight must continue. And through the dedication of West Tennessee Women’s Center and Medical Center EMS, and the unprecedented support of local business like Mitchell’s Body Shop and Signs First, the fight will continue…to spread awareness through Hope.