Members of the Henderson Fire Department delivered a Christmas gift to Maria Parham Health’s Cancer Center staff on Wednesday – a giant check, both in size and amount.
The three-day boot drive held each year outside Central Station on Dabney Drive netted $18,100.90, all for the Cancer Center.
In presenting the check, Henderson Fire Chief Tim Twisdale said he and his colleagues are glad to be able to do something to provide for the care of others.
The boot drive was renamed in memory of the late chief Steve Cordell, who lost a brave battle with cancer in 2023.
MPH Social Worker Hope Breedlove thanked the fire department for the long partnership, now in at least its eighth year.
The money is used to help cancer patients who may struggle with paying for medications, transportation and other things that go along with getting life-saving treatment at the hospital.
“It’s really challenging to get them the things that they need,” she said, but the boot drive proceeds certainly help fill the gap.
MPH CEO Bert Beard said the fire personnel are critical first responders to get to residents in the city who may end up in the hospital to receive care. Beard said the passion that the cancer center staff shows when they serve patients is mirrored in the passion that firefighters show as they do their jobs each day.
“You guys are a part of our team,” he said.
