PennEast Pipeline Gives $5,000 to LV Pink Heals

On Thursday, PennEast Pipeline Company presented the Lehigh Valley Chapter of Pink Heals with a $5,000 grant to assist ongoing local fund raising for local women and their families who are affected by a range of health issues.

“Lehigh Valley Pink Heals helps local women facing not only cancer, but domestic violence, multiple sclerosis and more,” said Bill Andress, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Chapter. “We’re known throughout the area for our iconic pink fire truck and, thanks to PennEast’s support, we’ll be able to soon add a restored pink ambulance to help our efforts.”

The Chapter’s forthcoming pink ambulance will join the pink fire truck at community events. Both vehicles will not only raise awareness for women’s health, but they will also serve as rolling autograph tablets. Individuals will be encouraged to sign the vehicles in honor of loved ones who are battling illnesses or who have passed.

“We are proud to support the work of Pink Heals and excited to know that our Community Connector Grant will go a long way to support further fundraising for women and their families in the Lehigh Valley,” said Pam Witmer of PennEast Pipeline Company. “Lehigh Valley Pink Heals literally serves with distinction as their pink fire truck cannot be missed; we’re proud to help support their growth with the much anticipated addition of their pink ambulance.”

PennEast has contributed more than $400,000 through its Community Connector Grant Program to communities along the proposed PennEast Pipeline route. Through its grant program, sponsorships and volunteer efforts, PennEast is committed to supporting local organizations like Pink Heals.

For additional information on the Community Connector Grant Program and eligibility requirements, visit http://penneastpipeline.com/community-investment/. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Chapter of Pink Heals, visit http://www.facebook.com/pinkfiretruckslv/.

"Sally" Dedicated at SteelStacks

Marcia Hahn, 96 yo cancer survivor Mae Trexler,
daughter Linda Trexler and LV Pink Heals
founder Bill Andress

"Sally," a 53 year-old pink firetruck dedicated to raising awareness of women's health issues, was dedicated during a brief ceremony at SteelStacks on May 16. Though no longer making fire calls, this vehicle will now make home visits to women battling illness. As Lehigh Valley Pink Heals founder Bill Andress explained, Sally recently visited a woman battling cancer in Nazareth, at the lead of a procession of volunteer firefighters who provided flowers, hugs and hope.

About forty well-wishers attended, including State Rep. Marcia Hahn. She presented Andress with a certificate of recognition from the State House. "It's the first time I've ever been served papers in public," Andress quipped.

PinkHealsLV provides $1,745 check to LV
Cancer Support Community

Sally has room for people to chronicle their own battles with illness. In black pen, they inscribe encouraging words or messages to loved ones who have passed on..

The star of the ceremony was Mae Trexler, a 96 year-old woman who faced cancer 18 years ago, and beat it.

All funds raised by Pink Heals, which is 100% volunteer and 100% nonprofit, stays in the local community. "We are about serving women, not serving causes," insisted Andress..

He presented a $1,745.97 check to Paula Sue Ream, Executive Director of the LV Cancer Support Community.  Her group offers a wide variety of programs and services to people battling cancer, all at no charge. .

Rev. Peter Bredlau, Pastor at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Bethlehem Township, called Sally a "beacon of hope for all people - patients, survivors and families."  He also joked that he hopes he looks as good as Sally does when he's 53. That's largely due to Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech students, who turned a rusting and decommissioned firetruck into a pink lady.

One of the touching messages on the Pink Lady

Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech Turns Sally Into a Pink Lady

Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech students with Sally

When you see her, hundreds of names will likely be written all over her lovely pink body. Her name is Sally, but she wasn't always a pink lady. Until recently, she was an aging, rusting decommissioned firetruck, ready for the scrap heap. Thanks to Pink Heals LV founder Bill Andress and Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech, the 1962 pumper can continue to lives.

Pink Heals is a movement that recognizes the importance of women and raises money to help fight all illnesses that visit them.Nancy Run firefighter Bill Andress was so impressed by the pink firetrucks when they toured the Lehigh Valley in 2013 that he and his wife vowed to form their own chapter.

Yarilee Rodriguez  and Katiane Rodriguez

"Women are the foundation of everything,": Bill stated.

But first, he needed a firetruck. He found a 1962 red pumper that had a few dings, scratches and the rust that is so inevitable in a truck that old. Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech's auto collision repair class, took on the challenge of turning it into a pink lady. Under the guidance of Bill Gruschow, they did the body work, heat to toe, and then painted her pink.

The paint job had a lady's touch. Yarilee Rodriguez (10th grade) and Katiane Rodriguez (11th grade) were among the students who helped transform Sally.

Sally will be dedicated at Steelstacks on May 16. You can read more about Sally and PinkHealsLV on their Facebook page.