GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A breast cancer survivor, a Gwinnett County firefighter and one very pink firetruck joined forces to cheer up five families with members who have various illnesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bobbie Menneg, who founded nonprofit Beyond the Ribbon, shared her story with Channel 2 Action News. This week, she joined Gwinnett County firefighter Michael Sayles, who runs his own nonprofit called Pink Heals Gwinnett to spread a little cheer to families facing hardships.
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With a pink firetruck and, signs of encouragement, and while wearing masks, Menneg, Sayles and a team of volunteers visited five people who have cancer and other illnesses.
Some of their visits were to patients celebrating big milestones. One visit was to a special 9-year-old girl who celebrated her birthday Monday six years after being diagnosed with cancer. Another was to a woman who just finished her last radiation treatment.
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"None of our visitors know we were coming but we do let friends, parents or spouse know so they can invite people," Menneg said. "That just makes it a little better to see their smiles when they are going through a tough time or celebrating a milestone!"
Menneg is a nine-year breast cancer survivor. She founded her nonprofit to help cancer patients financially, physically and emotionally.
“I know how hard it is to get that diagnosis and to stay positive and that every patient could use a pick-me-up sometimes,” Menneg said.
Menneg said she met Sayles a few years ago and they have visited over 20 families together to provide cheer and encouragement.
Menneg shared a statement from the family of one of the people the pink firetruck visited.
“I’m so blessed to have you show up at the exact time EVERYTIME. You really have made this journey so much brighter!! Thank you will never be enough, He went in the house and cried, said he hasn’t ever felt so special.”
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