Sleeping Indian raising breast cancer awareness

A pink ribbon has been placed over the bust of  ‘India Dormida’ (the sleeping Indian), a rock formation in El Valle de Anton. The pink ribbon is a symbol for the fight against breast cancer in Panama. In Panama, October is breast cancer awareness month. 

The large pink ribbon that can be seen from far below was placed on the mountain peak on September 14th by a group of collaborators from the office of the first lady, Lorena Castillo de Varela. The group ascended to the top of the mountain, in Panama’s central province of Cocle, with the goal getting the country’s attention. The effort has been a success, as many are photographing and talking about the installation

The First Lady said, “the initiative is a comprehensive project with all environmental certifications.”

The first Lady explained that the pink ribbon on the sleeping Indian aims to further Panama’s progress in the fight against a disease that is the fifth leading cause of death in the world and the first among Panamanian females. The message is directed to rural women, who she encourages to get breast exams throughout the month of October when many clinics offer screenings for free or at reduced costs.

The initiative will be presented at the UN General Assembly currently taking place in New York. During the UN Women organization meetings, the idea will be spoken about as a campaign that can be used in other countries throughout the Central American area to raise breast cancer awareness.

The legend of the Sleeping Indian 

Flor del Aire, the daughter of Urraca the most successful Chief in Panama fighting against the Conquistadores, fell in love with a Spanish soldier. But Yavari, a strong fighter in Flor del Aire's tribe, longed for Flor's affection. When Flor del Aire did not show Yavari affection, he jumped to his death from the mountain top right before the Princess' eyes. Saddened by his actions the Princess left her home, never to see the Spaniard or her family again. 
She crossed mountains and valleys, and finally, above the beaches, she died. She looked back at the mountains where she had been born. The mountains, touched by this sad love story, formed the shape of the Princess.