Stop by Garden City Shopping Center on Friday, Sept. 16 from 3 to 8 p.m., and you will see pink everywhere you go.

That is when the Pink Heals 2011 National Fire Truck Tour will stop in Cranston as part of their four-day visit to Rhode Island. True to their slogan, “Cares Enough to Wear Pink,” the national organization Guardians of the Ribbon is visiting almost every state in the country to support and raise awareness for women with cancer.

The event will kick off at 3 p.m., with a parade of the pink fire trucks and police cars into Garden City.

“We’re not about any one cancer. Pink is a woman’s color. We are wearing our pink gear proudly in support of women throughout the state who are battling cancer,” said Ted Dion, president of the RI Chapter of the Pink Heals “Guardian of the Ribbon” organization, the group that is hosting the daylong event.

The national organization was started in Phoenix, Ariz., by firefighter Dave Graybill. Graybill will be in Rhode Island for the tour, and on-hand to greet everyone.

“We are making our way across the country and it is our job to also spread the word worldwide. Guardians of the Ribbon is a group of primarily firefighters whose purpose is to raise awareness for the fight against cancer and inspire men to support the women of their community,” said Graybill. “October is recognized throughout the United States and in many parts of the world as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We would like to have the public safety, local leaders and citizens of the community wear something pink to show support for those women battling cancer.”

Graybill hopes the pink invasion will offer hope to women fighting cancer.

“It is in our nature to fight for those who have lost the ability to fight for themselves and we are asking the public to join us in this effort. It will not only bring us together, but also give those who are battling this disease an overwhelming feeling of hope. We are here to help spread the word and to support our Rhode Island program,” he said.

Among the attractions in Garden City that day will be pink police cars and fire trucks from across the country, carrying thousands of signatures of those affected by cancer and the pink RV from the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. Also attending will be representatives from Woman & Infants Hospital, the RI Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drums and the RI Shriner’s clowns. Bad Luck & Trouble will provide live music. There will be a VIP tent for cancer survivors and face painting and games for adults and children, as well.

RI Pink Heals had a proclamation signed into law designating the week of Sept. 17 as Pink Heals Week in Rhode Island. The national tour chose to spend a considerable amount of time in the Ocean State because of the level of dedication and success exhibited by the local RI Pink Heals group.

Gloria Gemma’s bright pink Hope Bus will provide women with information about breast cancer, local programs and the activities of the Foundation. Also attending will be the office of Dr. Ellen Frankel, who is a dermatologist and owner of Rejuvaderm MediSpa, with offices on Reservoir Avenue. Dr. Frankel’s group will talk with women about skin cancer and skin problems in general. Rejuvaderm is the primary sponsor of the Gloria Gemma foundation’s 5K Run, Walk and Pet Walk happening on Sunday, Oct. 9. There will be music in the gazebo area, and stores will choose various ways to be part of the event.

RI Pink Heals has a unique program delivering pink wooden carved bouquets of roses to any woman they hear about who is in active cancer treatment.

“One of our proudest moments is when we deliver our pink bouquets to women. We will arrange to go to the home of any woman fighting cancer and bring her some cheer and encouragement as well as our bouquets that can be kept forever as a reminder that we are thinking of her,” said Dion.

RI Pink Heals has opened a storefront office for women with cancer from around the state, which is located on Main Street in West Warwick. Programs are offered free of charge to women and their families.

RI Pink Heals and the national group are composed of active firefighters who take their own time to support their special mission.

“We hope women will come out to sign our truck and to purchase a special commemorative t-shirt or hat – all funds go right back into supporting local causes – and all funds stay local to Rhode Island,” said Dion.

For more information on RI Pink Heals or the other events of the national Pink Heals tour, contact Ted Dion at teddion@ripinktrucks.com or call him at 206-1851. For more information on the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation’s Flames of Hope weekend, including the 5K, go to gloriagemma.org or flamesofhoperi.com or call 861-4376.