Palm Tran debuted its 2019 Pink Bus at the Palm Beach County Governmental Center on January 15, 2019, in conjunction with the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. The unveiling of the bus is a partnership of Palm Tran, Susan G. Komen Florida and Lamar Transit Advertising.
The Pink Bus raises awareness of early detection of breast cancer and breast cancer research. The 2019 bus focuses on the statistic that African American women have a 41 percent higher mortality rate from breast cancer than Caucasian women. The bus features photos of nine Palm Beach County breast cancer survivors.
Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes said: “The Pink Bus will have big exposure primarily traveling Palm Tran’s Route 1, which is the busiest route to bring the most attention to the issue of breast cancer.” It’s estimated more than half a million people will see this bus during a four week period: many seeing the Pink Bus more than once. “This big, pink, moving visual on the streets, will hopefully influence people to get screened.” added Forbes.
In the Board of County Commission Chambers at the Governmental Center during its meeting on the 15th, Palm Beach County Mayor Mack Bernard proclaimed January 26, 2019, as Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Day. Bernard added how breast cancer has impacted his own family. “Cancer sucks and it can hit any family members, and nine years ago it hit our family. My wife is here and she’s a breast cancer survivor and we just have to continue to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the work they’re doing in Palm Beach County,” Bernard said. His wife, Shawntoyia Bernard is one of the women whose pictures are on the Palm Tran Pink Bus.
This is the seventh year for the partnership. “If this Pink Bus can save one life, it’s done its job,” Forbes said.
