A School of Thousand Cranes

2009 Dec 18

As the year comes to an end we would like to remember the most wonderful competition that we had this year. It began in April as a part of event “A dream came out”. The competition invited school children and their teachers to make huge numbers of paper cranes that symbolize health and longevity. It’s no secret that paper cranes are given with the best wishes for health.

The competition lasted until the 10th of November and the numbers of contestants grew with every day. Obviously, everyone was craving for thousand candies, as a prize for the biggest number of paper cranes. But the winner was only one and it must be mentioned that this school earned a name not of thousand cranes – a school of ten thousand cranes!

The pupil form Vievis high-school (Vievio gimnazija) gave away almost three thousand origami-made cranes to the women in Vievis during the official Mother Day together with their letters and poems. All of the rest “wishes for health” had travelled along with the team of “Pink Ribbon” bus. The final even took place in Vievis, where “Do Not Delay” team initiator Agnė Zuokienė and Japanese ambassadress in Lithuania Miyoko Akashi rewarded the school with a prize of one thousand candies.

Ms A. Zuonieke has mentioned that, according to some researches, a human being dreams more than 35000 hours through his lifetime. „ I also like to dreams and one of my dreams was to stop the breast cancer death-rates. It took 6 years for this dream to come true. “she said. And there was another dream that came out which belongs to the directress of Vievis high school Ms D. Šumskiene. She said that her dream was to make ten thousand paper cranes and the pupil made it.

So every dream might be real but it takes belief and hard work too. Let‘s dream and work together in 2010!

Project Arrives to Prienai, Trakai and Utena

2009 Dec 8

On the 7th of December, project team arrived to Prienai, where coordinators managed to visit towns of Veiveriai and Jieznas. During the day, about 65 women have had breast examination and listened to the lectures on breast cancer prevention.

By all means, none of our team members will forget the day in Trakai which was on the 8th of December, as we were able not only to introduce lectures on breast cancer, its prevention and voluntary wok but we also examined almost one hundred women and were treated with traditional food that area. Thousand thanks goes to Ms Nijolė and Ms Danutė from Trakai education centre for warm welcome and all the help.

The 9 th of December was dedicated for Utena where our team has visited College of Utena, Health and social care faculty. We have received great help from Mr Eligija. Pupil from Utenos Dauniškis high school showed a great interest in the competition „School of Thousand Cranes“. We‘ve visited kinder-garden „Šaltinėlis“, Šapokas high school, dispensary and library of Tauragnai. During the day a number of women have attended lectures of breast cancer prevention, self-examination and the library has received a „pink shelf“ – number of books dedicated to women. There was also some time left for discussion about volunteer work and its importance.

The team of the project is visiting Zarasai, Svencionys and Vilnius regions

2009 Sep 27

September 25-27 days were dedicated for Zarasai region. The team was visiting Suviekas, Salakas Antazave, Sniukstai and Zarasai towns. 229 women were examined during these days. Four of them were recommended to make further analysis.

“Pink Ribbon” minubus had reached Varena and Salcininkai regions

2009 Sep 23

In the end of September the route of the “Pink Ribbon” minibus was reaching Varena, Salcininkai, Zarasai, Svencionys regions and will be ending in Vilnius this year.

In Varena region 392 women had met with oncologists in September 18-20. Two of them were recommended to do further analysis.

325 women had visited the oncologist and were examined in Salcininkai region between September 21 and 23. The project was working in towns: Kalesninkai, Pabare, Gerviskes, Akmenyne, Baltoji Voke ir Jasiunai.

There 208 women were examined in Svencionys region where the team of coordinators and oncologists from Vilnius was working on September 28-29.

“Do Not Delay!” participated in the international Breast Cancer Advocacy Conference in Bishkek

2009 Sep 15

Representatives of various NGOs and governmental institutions from Kyrgystan, Kazachstan, Russia, Ukraine, Malaysia, US, Estonia and other Eastern European and Middle Asian countries gathered together on 4-5 September for fourth International forum in Bishkek to review advocacy of interests of women with breast cancer in the region. Lithuanian experience on this issue was spoken of by the representative of the “Do Not Delay” project Ms Jolanta Kardelyte.

The presentations of different speakers revealed similar problems and women face similar challenges in different countries: lack of medical professionals – oncologists, low work performance of the checking cabinets in cancer detection, low responsiveness to the national selective mammography programs due to the lack of information, insufficient records, registration and follow-ups of cancer patients, etc. The speakers talked of the taboos that are slowly changing although still alive, especially in cultures like Malaysia. These taboo remain a serious hindrance to breast cancer prevention and successful healing process.

Lithuanian presentation was intended to share the experience cumulated throughout seven years of active work in the area of breast cancer prevention. The participants of the conference were impressed by the results of the “Do Not Delay!” presented by J. Kardelyte. The number of women who had breast check up in the Pink Ribbon bus exceeded 55 thousand this year and more than 500 women were informed on the signs of breast cancer in their body. More than 15 thousand women already had breast examinations within this summer. Similar initiatives of the fund “Healthy Asia” in Kazachstan had almost 10 thousand participants within 6 months this year. The participants of the fourth breast cancer advocacy forum were fascinated by the idea of the “Do Not Delay” to send a “Letter to Mom” send to Lithuanian women every year on the Mother’s Day. This unique and very effective way to approach women through their child.

Fot two days in Bishkek the main theme of the speeches were that working together and sharing the experience we are able to change the fate of millions of people suffering from breast cancer. Ms Ksenia P Koon representing Seatle Cancer Care Alliance finished her speech with the quote of the US president Barack Obama (2008): One voice can change a room and if one voice can change a room then it can change a city, and if it can change a city it can change a state, and if it can change a state it can change a nation, and if it can change a nation it can change the world. Your voice can change the world.

Breast cancer survivor and popstar Anastacia sent wishes of strength to Lithuanian women

2009 Sep 11

In the evening of 10th of September the initiator of the “Do Not Delay” project Ms Agne Zuokiene had a meeting with the famous popstar Anastacia in Vilnius, just before her performance that evening as part of her “Heavy Rotation Tour”. The singer told her story about her battle against breast cancer, the fight that started in 2003. „Most people think that breast cancer is a disease that one is to be ashamed of because a woman becomes less attractive. I dissagree,“- said Anastacia.

The initiator of the “Do Not Delay” Ms. A. Zuokiene presented Anastacia a string of pink origami cranes and promised to make one thousand more if it is helpful to prevent the reviving of the disease. “Anastacia is a very strong woman, however, talking about breast cancer is not easy and not only to Lithuanian women. I saw that it is a sensitive and painful topic for the famous singer as well,”- said Agne Zuokiene after the meeting.

Anastacia was stunned at the fact that more than 500 women were warned on signs of breast cancer found in their body in the Pink Ribbon bus. The autograph of Anastacia on the “Do Not Delay” poster came together with her wishes to women suffering from breast cancer to be strong and turn to those who can support them. Anastacia says she is a fighter and is grateful to the doctors who urged her to have a breast screening because the disease was diagnosed at an early stage. Although the treatment and medication took several years, today Anastacia is a winner and as the breast cancer survivor urges every woman to have a regular breast screening.

Pink mini bus is turning to Zemaitija region"!

2009 Sep 10

The project was visiting Silale region.

The 1st day of the Autumn was spent in Kaltinenai and Kvedarna. During all day 93 women had breast examinations.

On the 2nd of September we have worked in Silale town. The bus was parked near the Handicapted Association of this region building. All women had a chance to participate in the lesson of the self-examination against the breast cancer. In this town women were very active and we examined 133 of them during all day. In the afternoon the representatives and citizens of this town had gathered in the House of Culture where the photo exhibition „A Moment“ was oficially opened.

On September 3 the team had visited the last two towns in Silale region: Laukuva and Siluva. In total over 300 women were examined in Silales region.

Pink ribbon goes "green"!

2009 Sep 1

Environment friendly biodegradable plastic bags are now used for the “Do Not Delay!” Project collections. These bags are made of plastics which decompose in landfill in approximately 24 months leaving a non-toxic residue.

Collections using these plastic donation bags from now on will be carried out in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

In the near future our “green” collections will be carried out in England and Wales too.

The project of breast cancer prophylaxis is visiting Sirvintai region and Kaunas city

2009 Aug 27

The last day of the summer, August 31st, was dedicated to Kaunas Kalnieciai district. The Pink Ribbon minibus was parked near the Clinic of Kalnieciai. Women had heard the lecture about the prevention of the breast cancer and had learned the lesson of self-examination rules. During all day 118 women had the breast examination.

On August 28 we had worked in Kaunas Centre. The head of Central Clinic had welcomed our team. The first part of the day we have spent infront of the Central building of the Clinic, A.Mickevicius street 4. Before the lunch time we had examined 55 women. The afternoon time had passed in the very center of the city. We had parked near the Soboras, infront of the Center of mental disorder. By the end of the working day we had examined another 55 women which makes in total 110 women during all day in Kaunas Centre. The was one breast cancer suspected during all day. The women was sent for the further analysis.

On August 27 we made the second trip to Sirvintai region. This time we had visited Sirvintai town. Our hosts were Sirvintai Primary Health Care Centre. We were waiting for the women there all day long. As usually women had a chance to participate in the lecture about the breast cancer and to learn the lesson of self-examine. 118 women had been examined in Sirvintai town, 2 of them were recommended to do further analysis.

Women of Alytaus and Svencionys regions were interested in the breast cancer prophylaxis

2009 Aug 26

Svencionys region was visited between 25-26 of August. In Svencionys, Svencioneliai, Pasamine and Rieskutenai towns there 167 women were examined, one case of suspected breast cancer was found.

Alytus region had welcomed our team for two days between August 23-24. We have visited following towns: Simnas, Luksnenai, Punia and Butrimonys. We have counculted 243 women of this region.

Oncological education for women in Vilkaviskis, Kazlu Ruda and Kalvarija municipalities

2009 Aug 22

On 23-24 of August the Pink Ribbon bus was working in Alytus region. Women living in Simnas, Luksnenai, Punia and Butrimonys had a possibility to have a free of charge breast check up and learn the principles of self-examination. This week the mileage of the bus for this year reached 15 000 km.

On August 20-22 the project “Do Not Delay” team visited the towns of Kazlu Ruda municipality. More than 350 women had breast examination by the doctors working in the project.

On August 17 – 19 the Pink Ribbon bus traveled through the territory of Kalvarijos municipality. The biggest result of the day was reached on the last day in Kalvarija town – 139 women had breast examinations. Other days were dedicated to small towns: Mikalauka, Jungenai, Juseviciai, Liubavas.

On August 14 and 16 the team was performing oncological education in Vilkaviskis region. We visited Pilviskiai and Bartininkai and spent the whole day in Vilkaviskis town. The interest in trainings and breast examinations was spectacular, thus 213 women entered the Pink Ribbon bus within two days.

A photography exhibition “A Moment” in Kazlu Ruda

2009 Aug 21

On August 21 the exhibition “A Moment” by the photographer Egle Melinauskiene was opened in the Cultural Centre of Kazlu Ruda. The exhibition will be available for the ones interested until the end of August. Prior to this opening the photography pieces of Egle Melinauskiene were visiting Liudvinavas, Pasvitinys, Kernave, Vieksniai, Dusetos, Krekenava, Paceriaukste and Lentvaris. The phtographs tells stories of women suffering from breast cancer, the moments from the first to the last days in the hospital. They tell the story of hope and faith and are thus a special experience to tevery visitor. Egle Melinauskiene is herself a breast cancer survivor.

The team of “Do Not Delay” project is moving across Zemaitija

2009 Jul 19

“Do Not Delay” started a 3 days visit in Radviliskis region on July 17. The mayor of Radviliskis showed initiative and invited us to visit this region and give a chance for free of charge breast check ups and lectures to women of this region. We visited Alskniupiai and Kutiskiai on July 17. 136 women had their breasts examined by the oncologists. July 18th and 19th gave a chance for 200 women more to check their breast condition with the oncologists working in the Pink Ribbon bus. 331 women in total visited the bus within 3 days in Radviliskis region.

On July 15 - 16 the team of the project “Do Not Delay!” continues its work in Zemaitija regions. “Pink ribbon” mini bus on the eve of the work day had reached Plunge town for the night over. Women were awaited by the team in Varkaliai in the morning and in Babrungas after the lunch and towns of Telsiai region were visited on July 16.

“Do Not Delay” project continues its action in Akmene, Mazeikiai and Skuodas regions

2009 Jul 14

On July 12 – 14 the Pink Ribbon bus is visiting Skuodas region. Small towns: Barstyciai, Ylakiai, Lenkimai, Mosedis, Dauksiai are visited. Women living in the regional center – Skuodas will also take part in the trainings of self-examination and have their breasts examined by doctors of the “Do Not Delay” team. More than 200 women visited the Pink Ribbon bus in this region this year.

July 9 – 11 were dedicated to mothers, grandmothers and daughters living in Mazeikiai region. The project team initiated lectures on breast cancer prevention in Zidikai, Vieksniai, Balenos, Krakiai. The whole day was spent in Mazeikiai. As the Pink Ribbon bus Coordinator Lina Buzelyte said during her lecture: the lesson of breast self – examination and the habbit to regularly have a medical breast check should be passed on from mothers to daughters and thus save thousands of lives of those who love us and who are loved by us. More than 300 women had breast examination in Mazeikiai region within 3 days.

The exhibition of the photographer Eglė Mėlinauskienė, who is fighting breast cancer and took pictures of women of the same fate was opened in Vieksniai and will stay their for 2 weeks. The exhibition A Moment organized by Do Not Delay has traveled more than 80 halls and charmed crowds of people. The exhibition has been registered in the Lithuanian Book of Records as an exhibition that has visited the biggest number of halls in Lithuania.

July 7 – 8 our project was visiting Akmene region. The project coordinators and doctors paid their attention to women living in Venta, Akmene and NAujoji Akmene. As many as 206 women had their breast examination and received trainings on breast cancer prevention within two days.

“Pink Ribbon” mini bus had welcomed July in Raseiniai

2009 Jul 6

On July 5 – 6 the Pink Ribbon bus team was working in Siauliai region famous by it’s tourist and pilgrimage spot – the Hill of Crosses. The bus had stopped in Meskuiciai, Kairiai , Ginkunai, Gruzdziai. Almost 200 women participated in the lectures on breast cancer prevention and had their breasts examined by the oncologists.

July 2 – 4 were dedicated to women in Kelme region. The coordinators were stunned by the number of women willing to have a breast test and get more information on breast cancer prevention. The overall number of the participants reached 408 women.

The project team had a special meeting during the lunch break on July 3. A women who visited the Pink Ribbon bus 3 years ago and was warned of dangerous changes in her breast tissue by the Do Not Delay doctors came to meet our team. Shortly after she was diagnosed to have a malicious breast tumor and went through a course of medication. The breast cancer survivor expressed her gratitude to Ms. Agne Zuokiene and the project team for the important and valuable work done. If not the “Do Not Delay” project that visited Kelme three years ago, no one knows how her fate would have turned.

The Pink Ribbon bus team had welcomed July in Raseiniai. July 1 was spent near the health center where women had a chanmce to see a short movie on breast cancer prevention, have practical trainings on breast self- examination using special breast moulages and received leaflets specifying the state financed mammography programs. 131 had their breast examinations.

On June 30 women having hearing dissability were consulted during the first part of the day. 69 women visited the Pink Ribbon Bus. Throughout 4 hours spent in Naujoji Vilnia in the second part of the day even more women were willing to consult the oncologists and learn breast self examination. The number of women consulted reached 85 at the end of the day. In total 154 women were examined on June 30.

On June 29 the team of the Pink Ribbon bus was working in Vilnius – Aukstieji Paneriai and Naujininkai. The participants were consulted by the oncologists, had an opportunity to watch a short movie about breast cancer prevention. Every woman received a lieflet about the prevention of the forms of cancer that women suffer from. As many as 108 women were consulted by the doctors and learnt the lesson of breast self-examination.

On June 28 the Pink Ribbon bus was consulting women that have seeing disability (are completely blind or have serious vision problems) as women belonging to this social group have scarce opportunities to receive exhaustive information on breast cancer prevention. The second part of the day was dedicated to the women living in Grigiskes suburb.

“Pink Ribbon” mini bus is travelling across Kupiskis, Panevezys and Ignalina regions

2009 Jun 27

On June 24 the mini bus travelled to a famous tourist spot – Rumsiskes and the team worked for four hours at the side of Rumsiskes cultural center. 64 women were consulted. The second part of the day was dedicated to the women in a nearby location – Pravieniskes II. 41 women visited the Pink Ribbon bus and took part in the training, watched a short video on the topic of breast cancer prevention and breast self examination.

On June 23 “Do Not Delay” project team visited Ignalina town. We were waiting for women near the building of the Public Library of this town. 96 women had learnt the first lesson of breast self-examination.
The 22nd day of June the “Pink Ribbon” mini bus had turned towards Ignalina region. During this day 39 woman from Dukstas and 57 from Strigailiskis were counsulted and examined by the oncologist. Our host – Good Will Ambassador in Ignalina region – Danute Ropiene took a good care of us.
On June 21 our team have been visiting Dembava and Piniava in Panevezys region. There were 109 women examined during this day. The short practical lesson was made in Piniava by the coordinator of the project Lina Buzelyte. Due the changing weather condition in the afternoon we had been working in the Piniava Medical station.

On June 20 there were 129 women examined in Kupiskis town. Our Good Will Ambassador Vilma Mazeikiene took care of our visit.

The “Pink Ribbon” is visiting Vilnius, Kaisiadoriai and Rokiskis regions

2009 Jun 19

On June 19 “Pink Ribbon” mini bus had arrived to Kriaunos and Panemunelis in Rokiskis region. There were examined 89 women during this day.
On June 18 mini bus team have been working in Rokiskis town. The Society of Disabled Persons were hosting our team. The Good Will Ambassador in Rokiskis region took care of all organizational things. The lesson and practical activity of the breast cancer prevention was organized. There were 119 women examined by the oncologists.
On June 17 we have been working in Rokiskis region, Salos and Skemai. During all day there were 93 women examined in those towns. 1 suspicion of the breast cancer was found.
On June 16 we have been visiting Kaisiadorys. The endless rain has ruined our rythm, but still 119 women has been examined during this rainy day. We are grateful for the support and very special care to our Good Will Embassdor in Kasiadorys county Rita Gliaudeliene and the doyen of Kaisiadorys Laima Katelevskiene.
On June 15 we have been working in Mickūnai and Pagiriai, in Vilnius region. There were 112 women examied and counculted by the oncologists.
On Sunday, beautiful day of June 14 our team had reached Maisiagala and Nemencine town in Vilnius region. There were 88 women examied during this day.
On June 18 mini bus team have been working in Rokiskis town. The Society of Disabled Persons were hosting our team. The Good Will Ambassador in Rokiskis region took care of all organizational things. The lesson and practical activity of the breast cancer prevention was organized. There were 119 women examined by the oncologists.

On June 17 we have been working in Rokiskis region, Salos and Skemai. During all day there were 93 women examined in those towns. 1 suspicion of the breast cancer was found.
On June 16 we have been visiting Kaisiadorys. The endless rain has ruined our rythm, but still 119 women has been examined during this rainy day. We are grateful for the support and very special care to our Good Will Embassdor in Kasiadorys county Rita Gliaudeliene and the doyen of Kaisiadorys Laima Katelevskiene.
On June 15 we have been working in Mickūnai and Pagiriai, in Vilnius region. There were 112 women examied and counculted by the oncologists.
On Sunday, beautiful day of June 14 our team had reached Maisiagala and Nemencine town in Vilnius region. There were 88 women examied during this day.

“Pink Ribbon” mini bus after visiting Panevezys region had arrived to Birstonas

2009 Jun 8

The project “Do Not Delay” had arrived to Birstonas. On June 3 we have been working in Birstonas vienkiemis and Nemajunai. Our good will ambassador in Birstonas county Anele Pyragiene took care of organizational things as the flow of information and the queue. During this day the oncologists had examined 102 women.

On June 4 we women are invited to join our project in Birstonas near the Caritas community building.

“Do Not Delay” project had finished the first visit in Panevezys region

2009 Jun 2

May 29th is planned for Betygala and Siluva.
The Pink Bus is visiting recently Raseiniai region. On May 28th we were working in Norgelai and Sujainiai. The team was hosted by Raseiniai Forest administration and the local community chairwomen Grazina Ciariene. There were examined 60 woman before the lunch time, 1 suspicion of the breast cancer was found. In the afternoon the bus was parked near the doyen of Paliepiai office. 50 woman were conculted by the oncologists.
May 27th was spent in Gargzdai. The bus was parked in the square next to the Cultural Center of the town. The oncologists examined 228 woman in this town.

The library of Liudyne invites guest to see the Pink shelf

2009 Jun 1

Our team was nicely surprised by the Liudyne library. The head of the library Stanislava Steponaviciene had organized and prepared the Pink Shelf that symbolizes the idea of the “Do Not Delay” projact. The project was hosted by this labrary on June 1. The Pink Shelf is visited by the local community and other guests already for last 3 weeks. There is an information on the project idea and the quatations of the undertaker of this project A.Zuokiene that motivate woman to take care of their health. Woman that greeted our team, shared their gratitude to receive this project in Liudyne since it was the first time for us to be here. They thanked the head of library for this oportunity to join the project. It was nice to hear that the local community gladly works improving the enviroment of the town and carry the initiative of different actions.


The meeting with Liudyne woman community
Our team thanks for the opportunity to meet with the community of Liudyne and to feel that warm feeling of likely beeing at home.

After the short stop in Gargzdai and Raseiniai region “Do Not Delay” project is visiting Panevezys region

2009 Jun 1

May 29th is planned for Betygala and Siluva.
The Pink Bus is visiting recently Raseiniai region. On May 28th we were working in Norgelai and Sujainiai. The team was hosted by Raseiniai Forest administration and the local community chairwomen Grazina Ciariene. There were examined 60 woman before the lunch time, 1 suspicion of the breast cancer was found. In the afternoon the bus was parked near the doyen of Paliepiai office. 50 woman were conculted by the oncologists.
May 27th was spent in Gargzdai. The bus was parked in the square next to the Cultural Center of the town. The oncologists examined 228 woman in this town.

Race for cure are held in Svencioneliai, Mieziskiai, Kaisiadorys 

2009 May 28


Analyzing the mortality rate caused by breast cancer, Lithuania is at the top of the list in Europe. The reason for this is mainly diagnosing cancer in late stages, when the chances for cure are significantly smaller. That is why diagnosing the illness in the early stages of cancer development is vital. The diagnosis at early stages would enable curing breast cancer more effectively moreover, it would decrease the mortality-rate from breast cancer in Lithuania. However, many women in Lithuania neither perform breast self - examination, nor seek a medical examination at their doctors’. This situation is caused by a lack of medical education about breast cancer in Lithuania.
As family, friends and the society itself are often the ones to encourage women to pay attention to their health un thus enhance oncological awareness, we ivnite people (men and women, young and old, healthy and having health issues) to participate in the Race for cureevents. The „Race for cure“ events are well known all arround the world and often organized for gathering donations for the activities against cancer. We have a different aim and the participants of „Race for cure“ in Lithuania do not pay a member fee. It is an event for remembering those who died from cancer and for supporting those who are fighting against it today.
Race for cure in Lithuania, organized by public company Azzara, is an hour of jog or walk in the memory of those who have succumbed to cancer and for the life of those who have overcome it. Marathons have been held for 60 times already since the beginning of the project Do Not Delay in 2003. A total of 14,139 participants have taken part in the marathons.

The Pink Bus is turning towards Klaipeda region for short time

2009 May 27

On May 27th, the Pink Bus will stop in Gargzdai town for one day. It will be the last stop at the Lithuanian seaside after working here for the last 8 days. We will move towards Raseiniai and Panevezys regions where the team will be working between May 28 and June 2. The next time for Klaipeda region is foreseened in July 24-25.

The “Pink Ribbon” is moving across the Lithuanian coast

2009 May 26

On May 25-26 our mini bus is visiting Kretinga region: Kretinga town, Kurmaiciai and Vydmantai. On May 25 the bus was parked near the Woman Information and Learning Center of Kretinga. 119 women were consulted by the oncologists on board of the “Pink Ribbon” bus. The second day of our visit in Kretinga region was spent in Kurmaiciai and Vydmantai. The oncologist P.Sniuolis had consulted 168 woman and 2 man. Two woman were urged to make further analysis regarding the suspected breast cancer. In total there were examined 289 woman in Kretinga region.


Kretinga, the crowd of woman waiting for the consultation

“Do Not Delay” project from Birzai region is moving towards the coast 

2009 May 24


Preila, May 20
Three beautiful days (May 19-21) were spent in the golden part of Lithuania – Neringa. The inhabitants of the region has been instructed by project coordinators on breast cancer prevention issues and self - examination. The doctors of the project has been examined 306 woman. 1 suspicion of the breast cancer was found. Besides the direct activities of the project there were several meetings with the local institutions: vice major of the Municipality of Neringa Ausra Feser inveted us for a short conversation; the members of the reahibilitation center for dissabled had participated in the open discussion of the breast cancer precention in Lithuania; the doctor of the Municipality Virginija Gedziuviene was supporting us each day on our arrival to Nida; the doyennes of Preila and Juodkrante were hosting us in their offices.

Woman from Utena, Kupiskis and Pasvalys regions were consulted by the oncologists

2009 May 13

The team of the project has been hosted by Pasvalys region from 11 to 13 of May. 112 women were consulted by the oncologists on board of the “Pink Ribbon” bus. Doctors urged one patient to perform further medical examination as they had a suspicion of breast cancer.
Utena town has welcomed us with the strog wind and cold rain. From 8 to 10 of May the bus was hosted by the Good Will Ambassador in Utena – Eligija Zidoniene. She had spent all the time with us supporting our activities in all situations. We thank her for that. The team has visited 4 rural locations: Atkociskes, Uzpaliai, Radeikiai and Juknenai. One full day has been spent in Utena town. During this time 316 woman has been examined by the doctors working with the project. Every woman received a card with her name on it confirming that she had learned the first lesson of breast self - examination.

Naciunai, woman are watching the short movie

May 7 was dedicated to Kupiskis region. We have visited two rural locations on that day: Noriunai and Sepeta. The Major of Kupiskis Jonas Jarutis invited our team for the short discussion in the City Hall. We have presented the project for the local media representatives. Warm wards were exchanged with the Major and our Good Will Ambassador Vilma Mazeikiene. 111 women were examined and consulted at the “Pink Ribbon” bus. 2 suspicions of breast camcer were found. 

The “Pink Ribbon” bus visited Molėtai and Anykščiai regions 

2009 May 6


On 6th of May the „Pink Ribbon“ bus arrived in the center of Anykščiai. The organizational part of the activities in this town was facilitated by the volunteers of the Women Center managed by the “Do Not Delay” Good Will Ambassador in Anykščiai region Elvyra Lasskaja. The inhabitants of the town were instructed by project coordinators on breast cancer prevention issues and self - examination. 112 women were consulted by the oncologists on board of the “Pink Ribbon” bus. Doctors urged one patient to perform further medical examination as they had a suspicion of breast cancer.

On 4th - 5th of May the team of the “Do Not Delay” project worked in small towns and villages of the Anykščiai region: Debeikiai, Aknystos, Ažuožeriai, Naujieji Elmininkai. A total of 217 women were examined and consulted at the “Pink Ribbon” bus. 3 suspicions of breast camcer were found.

A special thanks was received from the Debeikiai school. They had participated in the initiative of the “Do Not Delay” to give a post card to mothers of school children and urge them to pay more attention to their health and have a breast examination for themselves and those who love them. Teachers told us stories about mothers in tears, making promises to their children to take care of themselves.

On the Mothers day weekend (2nd - 3rd of May) our team visited Molėtai region. The “Pink Ribbon” bus worked in Moletai and rural locations Toliejai, Giedraičiai, Alanta. Every locality received the assistance of the project team for 4 hours. A total of 233 women were examined by the doctors working with the project. Every woman received a card with her name on it confirming that she had learned the first lesson of breast self - examination.

7th season of the “Do not delay” started on 1st of May

2009 May 1

1st of May, 2009 was a very important day for me and my team, because that day we started our 7th journey with the „Pink Ribbon“ bus. In next 6 months we will visit more than 250 Lithuanian towns and vilages and more than 15 000 women will be consulted by the oncology specialists working in our bus.

The Breast cancer awareness project “NEDELSK” (“Do Not Delay”) was started 6 years ago. Back then, few dared to openly discuss breast cancer and every other women with this disease died from it. The project’s “Pink Ribbon Bus” and its professional medical team has visited 445 small Lithuanian towns and examined over 43,500 women. For most of these women, this was their first encounter with a breast specialist. The project changed the lives of the 473 women who found out on our bus that they have breast cancer. For most of those diagnosed with cancer, it has meant a longer or even saved life. We are going to those places far from oncology centres where women know little about breast cancer.

I‘m proud that I was able to get the diplomatic corps in Lithuania involved with the charity auctions we called “From my country with love“ (2000-2003). This is how we got the first proceeds to “Nedelsk”. The godmother of “Nedelsk” was the Austrian ambassador’s wife Rosemaria Schwarzinger, who together with other wives of the ambassadors to Lithuania eagerly helped with first charity auctions “From my country with love“ and the idea later was developed into the very popular annual Christmas Bazaar.

During the last few years, my charitable activities have become more important to me than my social or business concerns. I have changed as a person – I can no longer think only of profits, of growth, of those things so important in business. Growth for the sake of growth is characteristic of cancer cells and what I have been doing during the last six years is trying to destroy cancer cells.

I feel happy that the common language of kindness has united the different people, who trust on breast cancer awareness, trust on me and my team, that even with just a little money one can do a lot of amazing and important things. Last October, visiting European Parliament I heard very nice compliment for “Nedelsk” (“Do Not Delay”). It was told, that “Nedelsk” (“Do Not Delay”) is an example of “low budget, but big impact” projects.

I am very thankful to everyone, who participates in “Nedelsk” as sponsor, volunteer, partner or supporter. Special thank for the companies, which help for project since the beginning: STATOIL, ŽVK, FIAT, ALTAS, LIMETA and others. It would not be possible to organise this project without financial support of the company INTERSECOND. This year project also got grant from Norway government.

The project is organised by 3 partners: non-governmental organisation “Azzara”, Vilnius Oncology institute and advertisement company “Kredo R”.

Agne Zuokiene
“Nedelsk” (“Do Not delay”) founder
“Azzara” general manager

“Do not delay” in Lithuania

2009 Apr 27


Six years ago, the Lithuanian rate of deaths caused by breast cancer was the highest in Europe.

DO NOT DELAY, a breast cancer awareness program, was initiated by Agnė Zuokienė in 2003. Today, the number of deaths is significantly lower.

The Do Not Delay team includes professional doctors – specialists of their field who face breast cancer cases on a daily basis.
The Pink Bus travels to the most remote locations in Lithuania to deliver the message to all women – “Take care of your health, pay more attention to yourselves for your own sake and for the sake of those who love you!”

Environment friendly biodegradable plastic bags are now used for the “Do Not Delay!” Project collections. These bags are made of plastics which decompose in landfill in approximately 24 months leaving a non-toxic residue.

Collections using these plastic donation bags from now on will be carried out in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

In the near future our “green” collections will be carried out in England and Wales too.