Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois	Integrity Data
Johnson True Value Hardware	R.W. Garret Agency

Today we bring you four local businesses that have chosen to show their support for breast cancer warriors by wearing their pink shirts. Thank you to the Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois, Integrity Data, Johnson True Value Hardware, and R.W. Garrett Insurance. All four of these businesses provide helpful services to their clients/customers based on their particular areas of expertise.

When you have questions or need someone to listen, who better to go to than an organization that deals daily with cancer, its causes, and the impact it has on patients and their families? The American Cancer Society can offer all warriors and their families advice and guidance when a second opinion or just an understanding ear is needed. ACS has a 24/7 hotline for cancer support. Call any time day or night to ask questions, seek comfort and support, and learn more about assistance offered to cancer patients and their families through the ACS. That hotline number is 1-800-227-2345.

Photo by Karen Hargis, Roy Logan,

See:  2019 Paint the Paper Pink - Pink Shirts for Breast Cancer Support - Album

On Monday evening, Lana Miller (center) and Kelly Bogdanic (right) presented a check to Lincoln Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky for an amount just over $8,700. The check was presented to Chief Dunovsky at the Lincoln City Council meeting in honor of the late Jake Lessen. Miller noted that Lessen’s family members, wife Kristi, son Matthew, and mother Andi, were also present.

Lessen was a Lincoln native and a graduate of Lincoln Community High School. He was residing in Sherman at the time of his passing.

Miller recounted that Lessen served on the Lincoln department from August 1997 through May of 2003. He was a firefighter for the city of Springfield, Engine 11, Station 11 and a firefighter and technical sergeant with the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield.

In 2006 Lessen died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 33. Afterward, friends and family decided they wanted to do something to honor Lessen and assist local fire departments. They have been holding annual golf outings and have been overwhelmed with the response to their fundraising efforts. With the money, they have been able to offer donations to a number of departments.

The money donated to the city of Lincoln Fire Department will be earmarked for heat-sensing cameras.

Photos by Nila Smith