RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) —  A local group of active and retired firefighters are trading in their standard yellow uniforms for pink ones in October.

The so-called “Guardians” commit 18 days to drive pink trucks and police cars around different communities to honor and inspire women who are battling or have suffered from cancer.

The firefighters on the “Pink Heals” tour stopped by Riverside on Tuesday to surprise a CAL FIRE employee who has survived cancer.

“It’s overwhelming. It was such a surprise…I didn’t expect it at all. I feel very blessed to have people around me who care and support me,” said Vicki Patterson.

For more information on Pink Heals, visit their website.