October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there was a special event in Perry Square, sponsored by UPMC Hamot.

They turned the fountain pink as they recognized breast cancer survivors like Erika Ramsdell.

"I was diagnosed 2 years ago with breast cancer," said Ramsdell. "I've been in remission for 18 months and I'm considered to be cancer free."

Ramsdell said she hopes that by being part of the Pink Perry Square event, it will encourage others to do their annual screenings.

Ramsdell also said self examinations are important. 

"That's very important, I was diagnosed at 37, I was not yet at the age to get an annual mammograms, I found my cancer on my own, not yet at that age to have yearly screenings and mammograms to advocate for themselves and checking," Ramsdell shared. 

Vice President of Operations for UPMC Hamot, says 1 in 8 women will battle breast cancer in their lifetime, and this event is crucial to spread awareness, but also to celebrate those who survived.