Dearly beloved women, who have gone through or are going through your own battle with breast cancer,
Honorable Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Basha,
Honorable Vice-Speaker,
Honorable representatives of institutions,
Ambassadors and representatives of amicable countries,
Dear doctors, nurses and healthcare workers,
Very dear, Mrs. Nafije Latifi,
Sisters and brothers,
October is the month when the strength of women is dressed in the color of hope, the color pink. It is the month when we remember that every battle of life can be won with love, with care and perseverance.
In this month we no longer talk only about pain, but above all we talk about courage. We do not talk about illness, but we talk about life.
Today we are here to honor the cause and the spirit. The spirit of women who did not give up, who faced fear and turned it into strength. To the women, who even in the most difficult moments inspired hope for themselves, for their families and for all the women of Kosovo.
I would like to begin by expressing our deep gratitude to the “Jeta Vita” association, led by Ms. Nafije Latifi, for the extraordinary work they have done for decades, giving a voice to women throughout Kosovo and raising awareness and consequently our strength in the face of this disease.
I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all health professionals, who every day care with dedication for cancer patients.
You are their first shield of hope, so thanks to your tireless work many women today are success stories.
Since the time I was Speaker of the Assembly and today as President, I have had the honor of working closely with each of you, so that we can join forces in confronting this disease of our citizens.
In every meeting with women, we have learned something new about human strength, about faith and about the meaning of life. Therefore, as President, I have considered it a moral and institutional obligation to support every initiative that brings relief and hope to them.
This is part of our ongoing commitment and support that we started years ago and that should not stop. Because, for every woman and every man who faces this challenge, we must be there not only with words, but also with concrete actions.
Today more than ever, we must reiterate the importance of early diagnosis. Every check-up, every regular examination is an opportunity for life.
The earlier the diagnosis occurs, the greater the hope for life.
This is why I want to encourage every woman again not to be afraid of the check-up.
Because, it is not fear that saves lives, but check-up can save lives when it occurs early.
I know that this path is not easy. This disease requires courage, requires confrontation, requires support from everyone around us and requires a lot of love.
But, I want to say today with complete conviction: breast cancer is not the end. It can only be the beginning of a very challenging chapter, but a chapter that makes you stronger and more aware of life.
In every story of a woman or man who has gone through the battle with cancer, we see an extraordinary example of human strength.
They are the heroines and silent heroes of our society.
It is our duty to make their voices heard, their example honored and their efforts supported every day.
Distinguished guests,
Pink October is not just a month for awareness, but a reminder for the whole year, so that no woman is left alone on this journey.
Let us make caring for the health of all our citizens a national priority.
Let us turn love and solidarity into a force that saves lives.
Finally, I want to say to you with all my heart, to all the women who are fighting: You are not alone! You have a special place in the heart of this country.
As long as there are people who care, institutions that support and a society that unites around this cause, there is hope, there is life and there is victory.
Therefore, on this Pink October, let us be one voice, one heart and one promise. That we will continue to take care of ourselves, to diagnose early, to support every woman and every man who faces these diseases and to never stop, until every battle with cancer turns into a success story.
Let us wear the color of hope, pink, not only in October, but also on other days. Because, every day that we live with love, courage and care for each other is a day won.
May God bless all the women who fight, all our mothers, sisters and daughters!
Thank you!
