West Des Moines Police Cars Will Sport Ribbons For Breast Cancer Support Throughout October

WEST DES MOINES, IA. -- Police cars in West Des Moines will look a little different this month as they support pink ribbon decals on both sides to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The public awareness campaign will kick off today with a breast cancer survivor placing a decal on a police car at a ceremonial event at 11 a.m. at the police department, 250 Mills Civic Parkway.

The West Des Moines Police Department will be sporting the decals on all its vehicles throughout the month as part of the partnership with the Komen organization.

Susan G. Komen, started in 1982, is the world’s largest breast cancer awareness group. The organization said it funds more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit group other than the federal government while also providing real-time help to those facing the disease.

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Komen has funded more than $920 million in research and provided more than $2 billion in funding for screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Komen Greater Iowa began as a Komen affiliate just this year and is a combined group of three former Komen affiliates. Its mission is to “save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer," according to a news release.

The Greater Iowa affiliate this month also will host Race for the Cure, an annual 5K timed race that raises money and awareness for the group's breast cancer support. The race begins at 9 a.m. at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, followed by a 1K fun run/walk at 9:30 a.m. and a kids' race at 10 a.m. Registration may be completed online.

West Des Moines Police Department Photo