McKenzie’s Corner is a ‘think outside the box’ program designed to engage kids in raising awareness and helping keep the adults in their lives healthy. How do we expect to do that? Let’s first tell you about McKenzie.

McKenzie’s Original Pink Fireman Coloring Sheet

McKenzie is The Pink Fireman’s niece—a witty, smart, and wise-beyond-her-years little girl. To her, he’s always just been Uncle Marshall. We never thought she really knew him as The Pink Fireman; we weren’t even sure she knew he wasthe Pink Fireman. But a few years ago, she surprised him with a picture she’d colored—a fireman wearing pink. Marshall framed it, and he’s cherished it every day since.

2024 Update: McKenzie has since grown up and graduated high school. She’s headed to college!


How Does This Help Raise Awareness and Keep Adults Healthy?

Kids love to color; we use this as a chance to connect. While they’re coloring, we chat with the adult(s) about breast health – like the importance of mammograms, self-breast exams, or other pertinent facts about breast cancer. When the kids finish, they’re encouraged to read “The Pink Fireman’s Letter” on the back of their coloring sheet, to the adults. This friendly note asks kids to remind their parents to eat healthy, exercise, and see their doctor regularly.

The impact doesn’t stop there. Many families put their child’s artwork on the fridge, where it becomes a reminder of our talk and a conversation starter. When someone asks, “Why a Pink Fireman?” it sparks a dialogue about breast health—a conversation we want to encourage between parents, doctors, friends, and even with children(when appropriate) in a simple, age-appropriate way.

We usually set-up our McKenzie’s Corner Program while we’re out in the community. Whether it’s a festival, a school event, or a bake sale, we invite kids to come over and join us! Each child receives a pink fire helmet and a coloring sheet.  For kids not staying to color but wishing to take the materials home with them, a pack of crayons is provided, if the family is in need.

Absolutely! We love getting out into the community with our McKenzie’s Corner Program. Priority is given to groups in the MD/DC/VA area. There aren’t any fees associated with bringing our program to your group. We’ll bring the pink fire helmets, coloring sheets, and crayons. Consideration is given to groups outside the MD/DC/VA area, though you may be asked to cover travel expenses. 

Absolutely not. It’s not our place to teach your child about breast cancer. As a matter of fact, in the fine print on the back of the coloring sheet, we abbreviate the word breast cancer with “BC.” If children ask why the Pink Fireman is pink, we simply say it’s to help cheer up people who are sick.