SACRAMENTO – Two members of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) and its affiliate California Association of Criminal Investigators (CACI) are getting an early start on their Pink Patch Project participation which typically receives the most attention during October, Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“We support the pink patch project for all that it stands for and as a result of our own experiences with people close to us winning, and sadly, in some cases, losing the battle against breast cancer,” said CSLEA-CACI member Jose Rodriguez.  “We asked the California Department of Health Care Services, the department in which we serve as investigators, if it would give us the okay to have department patches and key chains made and the answer was yes. So, with our own money we did, and now we look forward to selling the patches and key chains to benefit an organization ‘The Breast Cancer Fundraiser’.”

Rodriguez speaks of his younger sister, Yulyana Cibrian, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age.  According to Rodriguez, his sister fought a tough fight for years, but sadly lost that battle four years ago at the age of 35.

Rodriguez’s partner in the project and whose goal is to help raise money, is his colleague, Jason Grumet.  Grumet’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 27. With medical treatment, she battled and beat breast cancer. In addition to his wife, Jason’s mother also battled and beat breast cancer.

“Women battling breast cancer face an often painful and tough ordeal,” said Grumet. “I personally like donating to The Breast Cancer Fundraiser because it is a small non-profit that provides actual useful items to women going through cancer treatment. I hope we can raise money to help provide these needed care packages.”

“Our goal is to put a smile on their faces and the faces of other women battling breast cancer,” said Rodriguez.  “This is why we have teamed up with The Breast Cancer Fundraiser (www.thebreastcancerfundraiser.org) which will be the recipient of the funds we raise from the Pink Patch Project patches and keychains we sell. The Breast Cancer Fundraiser provides much needed care packages for women battling breast cancer.”

If you are interested in buying a Pink Patch Project patch or keychain that reflects the California Department of Health Care Services – Investigation Division, you may contact Jose Rodriguez through the Pink Patch Project, here.  The patch and key chain are each $10 dollars.

“We truly hope we sell out of our patches and key chains so we can help benefit breast cancer patients as they give it their all to become survivors.  Thank you for your consideration,” said Rodriguez.