Exhibition at the Vatra Cinema

A September opening event at the Vatra Cinema brought together members of patient support groups, medical professionals, and representatives of the Vsetín town hall, launching a month dedicated to prevention—"Pink October."

The photography exhibition, titled "It’s Still Me – Every Scar Has a Story," offers a new perspective on cancer and the importance of prevention. The goal of the exhibition is not to frighten, but rather to encourage and inspire hope.

The project was initiated and funded by Kayaku Safety Systems Europe. This support is deeply meaningful; the company manufactures passive safety components for automobiles, thereby continuing the work of its parent company, Nippon Kayaku, which—among other activities—develops anti-cancer drugs and medications to manage the side effects of chemotherapy. Supporting local initiatives comes naturally to Kayaku; the company is a long-time supporter of the ONKO-DUHA Vsetín patient association and Vsetín Hospital—for instance, in 2024, it contributed to the purchase of a modern probe for breast surgery.

While technology aids doctors in treatment, the photographs at the Vatra Cinema reveal something invisible: the courage of the women battling the disease. Their stories show how they coped with breast cancer, refused to give up, and moved forward. As Markéta—one of the women who chose to share her life story—says: "The illness took something from me, but it gave me so much more: the realization that nothing can be taken for granted—not even the sunrise or sunset. Don't underestimate prevention; it can save your life."
The exhibition is held under the patronage of the Town of Vsetín. The exhibition will run in the Vatra Cinema foyer until the end of September and is open to the public during the cinema's opening hours.