Gümülcine turns pink for 12th annual breast cancer awareness walk
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Gümülcine (Komotini) on Friday, October 23, for the 12th annual breast cancer awareness walk, promoting early detection, preventive screening and solidarity with patients and their families.
Organised by the Dínami Psychís Association of Cancer Patients and Friends in the Rhodope region, the event brought together residents, local officials, community organisations, volunteers and businesses to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness during October, which is dedicated to the disease.
Participants began their walk at Komotini’s central square, continued along Orfeos Street and the Venizelos pedestrian street, and proceeded via Dimokritou Street before returning to the starting point.
The route was accompanied by the percussion group Los Touban Evros.Kom, representing the Evros association, and members of the cultural association of Yassıköy (Iasmos), whose drumming added to the atmosphere of the event.
The gathering concluded near the Regional Unit of Rhodope building, which was illuminated in pink for the occasion. Participants then joined a community celebration known as the “Pink Party” at the association’s activity centre at 19 Ainos Street.
Prevention and early diagnosis at the heart of the event
Rodoula Kokkinaki, president of the Dínami Psychís Association, stressed that the annual initiative aims to remind women of the importance of looking after their health, attending recommended preventive examinations and seeking reliable medical information.
She underlined that early diagnosis can make a significant difference and that prevention saves lives.
Kokkinaki also highlighted the association’s ongoing support for people affected by cancer and their families, emphasising that patients should not have to face the experience alone. She thanked the participants, volunteers and supporters who have contributed to the organisation’s work.
Each step of the walk, she said, symbolised a collective effort against breast cancer and a commitment to offering patients strength, support and hope.
Regional and municipal officials express support
Christodoulos Topsidis, regional governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, praised the initiative and highlighted the wider importance of disease prevention. He said the regional administration supported the association’s efforts through initiatives aimed at promoting prevention and helping women who have undergone cancer treatment rebuild their lives.
Manolis Tapatzas, deputy regional governor of Rhodope, described the gathering as an expression of humanity, hope and solidarity. He emphasised that the strength of a society is measured not only by its infrastructure and public projects, but also by how it supports people in need.
Komotini Mayor Ioannis Garanis also praised the association as an example of social solidarity and community service. He reaffirmed the importance of local government support for organisations working to strengthen social cohesion and assist vulnerable people.
The event’s opening was also addressed by Father Chrysovalantis Dimou, representing the Metropolitan of Maroneia and Komotini, and Charalambos Charalambidis, a histopathologist and anatomy professor at the University of Cyprus who serves as the association’s scientific adviser.
Regional and municipal councillors, associations, organisations and local businesses also took part.
A continuing message of solidarity
Now in its 12th year, the annual walk has become a recurring community initiative in Gümülcine (Komotini), using public participation and the symbolic pink illumination of local landmarks to keep breast cancer awareness in the public eye.
Beyond raising awareness, the event underscores the importance of preventive healthcare, timely medical assessment and sustained support for patients and their families.
Paratiritis News
