One number summed up the ninth annual Pink Light Walk to increase breast cancer awareness Tuesday night in Lehighton: 121.5.

It marked the combined years of life for the breast cancer survivors attending the event, which began and ended at the Lehighton Recreation Center.In between, hundreds of men, women and children, most wearing pink and carrying pink lights, walked to the Lehighton Amphitheater to hear keynote speaker Susan Generose, a breast cancer survivor and Blue Mountain Health System dietitian.Generose admitted her story was not uncommon, but said hopefully her tale of strength and perseverance can help others in a similar situation. She found a lump during a self-exam in September 2012."No amount of prior education can prepare you for the journey of battling of cancer," she said. "I've learned from the experience and how to make life better after it. From a bad experience, many good things can happen."Like many walkers, Jenna Sanchez of Lehighton carried a pink light in support of a family member. She said the word cancer scares anyone it contacts, but events like Tuesday's walk show there is hope to overcome the dreaded disease."You never think it can happen to you or your family, but when it does, the amount of support that is out there is incredible," she said.Sue Anthony of the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club, which organizes the walk, said the event would hopefully continue to grow."We already have a commitment next year from the Lehighton High Rise building to light it up with pink lights," Anthony said.Proceeds from raffles held Tuesday will benefit the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.The Coalition was formed in 1993 by a group of breast cancer survivors who had the mission of finding a cure for the disease.According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation:• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.Jane Longazel, a 17-year breast cancer survivor, told the walkers Tuesday that life is all about changes, especially when it comes to cancer."Cancer enters your life and it changes how you look at life and what your priorities are," she said. "My message is to focus on what is important. Spend less time at work and more time at home with family. That is what counts."