The Cotroceni Presidential Palace was dressed in the colour of hope on Wednesday evening, during the 25th edition of the 'Pink Illumination' event, organised annually on 1 October by the Renasterea Foundation, marking the Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

President of the Renasterea Foundation Mihaela Geoana voiced her gratitude to those who have supported the foundation's mission over the past 25 years, saving lives.

'We thank all those who have supported us over these 25 years in fulfilling the foundation's mission, saving human lives. During this time, we have carried out awareness campaigns, provided free medical services in disadvantaged communities, and supported thousands of patients in their fight against cancer. In short, we have saved lives. With us tonight is the very first patient diagnosed at the Renasterea Foundation 22 years ago. She is proof that this disease can be defeated if detected in time. We aim to make prevention a natural habit for every Romanian woman and ensure access to European-standard medical services. Our campaign continues because women's health is the health of the entire nation,' said Mihaela Geoana.

In a brief overview, Mihaela Geoana brought to mind that the foundation has led information campaigns, provided mammograms and Pap smears, as well as other medical investigations.

'We have conducted 71 information campaigns, that was actually our starting point, to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis in treating women's cancers. We have offered 42,417 free mammograms and Pap tests to women in rural communities and small towns using our mobile units, carried out over 130,000 medical investigations at our Bucharest centre, donated 2,100 wigs to chemotherapy patients, organised 11 editions of Race for the Cure, and thank you, many of you have attended, and illuminated 24 buildings,' she explained.

Mirabela Gradinaru, the partner of President Nicusor Dan, said that the pink light illuminating Cotroceni Palace symbolised community, support, faith, hope, determination and courage.

'Today, Cotroceni Palace is lit up in pink, a light that speaks to us of community, support, faith, hope, determination and courage. It is a symbolic gesture, but also a message that together we can support recovery from this disease. You remind us that the boundary between health and illness can sometimes be very thin, and that although we cannot control everything in life, when faced with this type of challenge, the support of family and the competence and professionalism of doctors are essential. Every recovery story is a source of inspiration. We often neglect ourselves and our health, but prevention is an act of self-love and responsibility - to ourselves and to those who need us. I hope this pink light reminds us of the importance of genuine human connection, compassion, patience, support, and hope - and that sometimes, simple acts like listening to someone going through a difficult time can help them find hope again, and give them the courage to go for a routine check-up or a specialist consultation. I congratulate the Renasterea Foundation on its remarkable work and wish you continued success in your efforts to protect and save lives,' said Mirabela Gradinaru.

The pink illumination was switched on by Mirabela Gradinaru, joined by Mihaela Geoana, Andreea Esca, and four former patients who have recovered from breast cancer.

Renasterea Foundation's ambassador Andreea Esca urged women to see their doctors regularly.

'A visit to the doctor could save your life - it really could. Breast cancer detected early can be treated,' said Andreea Esca.

She also announced that this year, several iconic buildings across the country would be lit in pink.

Additionally, Esca said, in Bucharest, the National Opera, the Ministry of Health, Globalworth Tower, the Europa Unita Underpass, and the Berceni Arena Ice Rink will also be illuminated in pink.

'Thank you so much. The more places lit in pink, the stronger the message that reaches more women. We thank all the county councils, private companies, and ministries who have supported this initiative,' she added.

'Pink Illumination' is part of a global initiative in which iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building (New York), the Oriental Pearl Tower (Shanghai), the Paris Opera, and the British Museum (London) have also been lit in pink - the symbolic colour of the fight against breast cancer. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)