‘Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign shines pink for breast cancer awareness

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

12 years ago

Sandra Holscher, left, and Svenja Visser, both of Germany, pose in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign on Las Vegas Boulevard South Monday, Sept. 30, 2013. The light bulbs that surround the border of the sign — which are usually yellow — were changed to pink Monday in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

A close-up of the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign is shown Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, in Las Vegas. The light bulbs were changed from yellow to pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Clark County commissioners gathered for a brief ceremony to honor those who have battled with the disease and to light the newly installed pink bulbs. (Ronda Churchill/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Diego Murcia, left, and Liceth Lopez (CQ), both of El Paso, Tex., stand for a personal photograph at the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, in Las Vegas. The light bulbs were changed from yellow to pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Clark County commissioners gathered for a brief ceremony to honor those who have battled with the disease and to light the newly installed pink bulbs. (Ronda Churchill/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Tourists, who declined to give their names, stand for a personal photograph at the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, in Las Vegas. The light bulbs were changed from yellow to pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Clark County commissioners gathered for a brief ceremony to honor those who have battled with the disease and to light the newly installed pink bulbs. (Ronda Churchill/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Clark County Commissioners Lawrence Weekly, left to right, Steve Sisolak, Mary Beth Scow and Susan Brager stand at a switch to light up the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, in Las Vegas. The light bulbs were changed from yellow to pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Clark County commissioners gathered for a brief ceremony to honor those who have battled with the disease and to light the newly installed pink bulbs. (Ronda Churchill/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The lights on the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign have turned pink to raise awareness for breast cancer.

The yellow bulbs surrounding the border of the sign on Las Vegas Boulevard just south of Russell Road were switched out for pink ones ahead of a Monday morning ceremony held by Clark County commissioners.

“My husband is a breast cancer survivor so I know all too well the impact this disease can have,” Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani said. “It is only fitting that we use our iconic sign to show our support for all the survivors and those who are fighting cancer now.”

About 295,000 American women per year are diagnosed with breast cancer, and almost 40,000 die from the disease every year.

In Nevada, about 112 out of 100,000 women are diagnosed every year with breast cancer, with 24 out of 100,000 women dying from the disease.

The lights on the sign will remain pink through October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“By turning the lights pink we hope to bring some attention and awareness to those fighting this disease, those who have lost their fight against breast cancer, and the importance of regular examinations,” Commission Chair Steve Sisolak said.