Fullerton firefighters using pink fire truck to 'extinguish' cancer

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) -- The Fullerton Firefighters Association is using a pink fire truck to "extinguish cancer."

"Every one of us is affected by cancer in one way or another. I had an aunt who passed away from cancer last year, so we're all affected," said John Miller with the Fullerton Fire Department.

This year, firefighters are helping out Dorey Madrid, who has been a teacher at Troy High School in Fullerton for the past 20 years.

"I found out I had stage IV breast cancer the day before my 45th birthday," said Madrid.

Since May, Madrid has undergone six rounds of chemotherapy. Her husband, also a teacher at Troy, is by her side, along with their school. Students wear special t-shirts every Monday.

"She's a phenomenal person and we love her," said Mike Silzer, Troy High School athletic director.

Firefighters are selling pink t-shirts, hats and window decals to raise money for St. Jude Memorial Foundation, the program chosen by Madrid.

"I'm overwhelmed by everything that they do and all of the support they've offered to my family and to me," said Madrid.

Over the past two years, the Fullerton Firefighters Association has helped raise nearly $35,000 to go toward cancer research.

Madrid, who still faces surgery and radiation, has signed the pink engine. Firefighters hope others fighting cancer, survivors and people remembering loved ones will turn it into a rolling tribute.

"Hopefully by the end of October, it will just be all signatures as a show of support," said Fullerton Fire Capt. Pete Gray.