Distinguished Attendees,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a great supporter of the national campaign against breast cancer, it is my distinct honor to address this, fifth in a sequence, Annual National Conference. I avail myself of this opportunity to commend the organizers, the association “Borka – For Every New Day”, association which, with its activities, is the voiced and most persistent promoter of the fight against breast cancer in the Republic of Macedonia, most dedicated activist for raising awareness among women about the disease, and one of the principal supporters of women faced with this disease. I would like to assure you that, for their unselfish commitment, we are immensely thankful.

Marking the month of October as the world month dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, we are part of the international health campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the disease. The campaign aims to raise funds for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of this disease.

In the course of this month, as well as throughout the year, events are being organized that focus the attention of the public to this disease and campaigns that offer support and information for those affected by breast cancer. Therefore, we must praise all the projects, campaigns and activities of the national institutions, health care facilities, medical professionals and civil society. Moreover, we all need to support their goal - to attract the attention of the female population on the importance of prevention and early detection of this disease. To remind them of regular individual and medical examinations and their inclusion in the annual screening programs for early detection and possible prevention. Thus, we would significantly influence the detection of the disease in its early stages when treatment is much more efficient. That being so, we will all contribute to the fight against this disease, and with all our support, with every step we make of our goodwill and assistance, we offer our hand to help another woman, another one of us. Such extremely useful activity is seen in the groups for psycho-social support and assistance as part of the organization “Borka”, the place where one woman offers her helping hand to another woman, and out of her own experience, encourages her in her personal struggle. Exactly this is the very first and most necessary assistance. Help which, in fact, is most appreciated and is, indeed, most worthy.

Accordingly, of particular importance for such activities is to grant them tribute for the investment, support and commitment of many individuals, as well as of a great number of socially responsible businesses, each, in its own way, trying to provide personal contribution to the national fight against breast cancer.

Respected attendees,
Today, we express our support to all who are affected by breast cancer, either directly or indirectly, as parents, partners, spouses, children, friends. But, above all, we are here to express our persistence and desire to help women who are now facing the biggest obstacle in their life time. Let’s show them that they are not alone. Let’s show them that our compassion is not an empty word or a vain promise, that our compassion is actually our commitment, our help and our fight for easier dealing with this disease. With every step we make in light of creation of better conditions for its treatment, we are getting closer to eradicate this disease through prevention and early detection.
Therefore, today, I would like to salute especially those who have managed to overcome the disease. They are here with us today, to witness of their faith, perseverance, persistence and sacrifice. They are real fighters. They are actually our greatest inspiration. Inspiration for all those who are still fighting it. Inspiration for those who have a loved one facing this disease. And, above all, they encourage and instigate our future activities and endeavors.
Therefore, I call you all to applaud exactly those women - winners, leaders, instigators of all our future initiatives in the fight against breast cancer.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are aware that statistics is extremely important, but not the most important. We are people, not numbers or statistics. We have the ability to help, support and encourage each other. Thus, every individual should be involved in such initiatives, where we can give our personal contribution and make a change. It is said: “the one who has ever saved a human life, has saved the whole world”. If individual activism would help in making a small change in the life of a woman affected by breast cancer or help a woman in timely detecting the threat before it is too late, we have achieved great success. It certainly gives us great motivation for further mobilization.

Conditions for this exist, but they need to be fully in charge of this noble mission. The sooner - the better. Governmental institutions, led by the initiatives of their employees, as well as the initiatives implemented by the civil society, provide the legal framework and adopt strategies on health issues for further development of this segment of the health policy, organize campaigns for early diagnosis, ensure dignified and equal treatment and equal access to treatment for all.

In continuity we are creating, updating and strengthening the partnership between the state, the civil society and the business community. Partnership based on this high human and noble goal - the fight against breast cancer. Partnership that constantly and diligently works on raising awareness, with a greater and increased public engagement, spreading the pink wave and its symbolism.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Every month is a Breast Cancer month. Every day is a day of hope, perseverance in the fight against breast cancer. We can not and we must not limit our activities neither in time nor in space. Our goal is continuous struggle that begins with prevention, not only in Skopje, but in every part of the Republic of Macedonia.

With such a message, at the very end, I would like to invite you all, together, to try with new strengths and new thoughts, each and every day to contribute as much as possible in the areas where we can do so. Let’s help exactly where our help is needed.

Thank you.