Florence Landmarks Illuminated in Pink for Breast Cancer Month

Florence is turning pink from tonight, October 19, until October 25. Various monuments, buildings, and historical gates in the city will be brightly lit in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to stress the importance of preventive action against cancer.

The president of the non-profit organization Firenze in Rosa, Lucia De Ranieri, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis as it is the most effective in reducing the mortality rate of the disease and receiving less invasive treatments. The organization, dedicated to the cause, is composed of women of all ages who have undergone surgery or are in remission.

Any association was able to contribute to the illumination, while Firenze in Rosa distributed flyers that could be turned into bows to be worn and shared on social media with the hashtag, #FirenzeInRosa: be pink!

Some of the places that can be found dyed in pink this week will be Palazzo Vecchio, Neptune’s Fountain in Piazza della Signoria, the Institute of the Innocents, and a stretch of the Arno river in front of Tuscany Hall.

Besides this initiative, women up to 45 years old and older than 75 are able to receive a free ultrasound mammogram by reservation (other ages are eligible for free screenings provided by the Region of Tuscany) at the Punto Rosa set up at The Student Hotel thanks to the Region of Tuscany. Eligibility has been extended to men with a family history of the disease.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 388 804991 from 10 am to 12 noon Tuesday to Thursday, and 3 pm to 7 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. (cathy doherty)