Duplin EMS cancer drive
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on June 10, 2008 1:45 PM
KENANSVILLE -- Duplin County Emergency Medical Services recently paid tribute to two of its paramedics by sponsoring a fundraiser to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
The event was held in honor of Elizabeth Wise, cancer patient, and in memory of Bill Rogers, who died as result of cancer. Ms. Wise is undergoing chemotherapy to be followed by radiation therapy.
Since Ms. Wise was undergoing chemotherapy, Dave Cuddeback, EMS training officer, and Brian Pearce, emergency services director, said they would shave their heads in support of Ms. Wise and in memory of Rogers if the employees could raise $1,000 prior to the picnic.
The EMS employees not only met the goal, but exceeded it, collecting $1,200.
Ms. Wise and Rogers' widow, Jean Rogers, did the honors of shaving Cuddeback and Pearce's heads.
Approximately 100 employees and their families attending the EMS picnic for the food and fellowship and watched the head shavings.
"Duplin County EMS is a close group of friends and family due to the long shifts and job demands, making raising money in support of their co-workers an exciting and enjoyable task," Pearce said.
He added, "All of the employees at Duplin County EMS encourage people to continue to make donations to cancer research to help find a cure for such a devastating disease."
"I think it was Jimmy V who said 'never give up,'" Eris Jones, EMS member, said. "It was nice to see the folks who supported Duplin County EMS with the money and made this event happen. We surpassed the $1,000 mark and never gave up."
EMS member Nickie Brock added, "It was a job well done and to all the ones in the public relations committee -- all of you provided an outstanding day. But I have to say an even bigger and better job well done for Mrs. Rogers and Elizabeth for those nice clean cuts. There is a moment that we will never be forgotten."
"Thanks to all who put their time into planning and having the picnic and fundraiser," Ms. Wise said. "I think you all did a great job. Again, thank you all."