Shelbyville Police officer raises breast cancer awareness in a unique way

SHELBYVILLE, Ind (WISH) — It’s a unique approach to breast cancer awareness. A Shelbyville Police officer has “pinked” out his police cruiser for October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Officer Dan McCarty got the idea after seeing a Shelbyville Fire truck decked out in pink. But it was somebody very special to him that prompted him to act; his mom, a breast cancer survivor.

At first glance, the cruiser sounds and looks like a regular police car. But when you look closer, you see it’s detailed in pink. Officer McCarty is grateful for the attention it’s bringing to the cause and the countless stories that go with it.

“She said, ‘Thanks a lot.’ And she was a survivor. She kind of touched me because she actually put her hand on the hood of my car and then put it on my chest area, and said ‘Both are warm,’” said McCarty.

McCarty shows his support to offer hope to others going through what he and his family went through. His mom, 73-year old Frances McCarty is a breast cancer survivor.

McCarty first battled leukemia in 1987. She was given up to five weeks to live. But, she survived. 13 years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“As you get older, you don’t have as much vitality and it just kind of zaps you,” said McCarty.

After multiple rounds of radiation, she beat it. Frances wears high heels to prove that nothing will slow her down.

“If you let things slow you down and give up, you’ve lost your battle already. You just keep plugging away,” said McCarty.

McCarty’s pink cruiser has generated support on Facebook. Pictures received thousands of likes. This is the first year he has “pinked” out his car, but plans to make it annual. McCarty hopes to get more law enforcement on board.