The letter “P” can convey many things, but in this particular case, it indicated all systems go in Lehighton.

It was indeed that as more than 350 people registered for the 14th annual Pink Light Walk held Tuesday at the Lehighton Recreation Center.

Sponsored by the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club, the walk began at the rec center and occurred in the shape of the letter “P.”

Those who participated were asked to wear a pink shirt to increase awareness of breast cancer, and to show their support for all survivors.

Alicia Silliman, club president, welcomed those in attendance and thanked them for their participation in the breast cancer awareness event.

“We’re here to celebrate breast cancer survivors (and) educate ourselves about breast cancer awareness,” Silliman said, “As our friends at the PA Breast Cancer Coalition have stated, we need to “find a cure now, so our daughters and (granddaughters) won’t have to.”

This year’s speaker was Jen Sinclair, program director, Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley.

“Cancer is one of the major health risks in my family,” Sinclair said. “My mom and my aunt are breast cancer survivors.”

However, Sinclair said others she knew weren’t quite as fortunate, including her grandmother and a close friend who succumbed to the devastating disease.

Sinclair’s daughter, Maggie Sinclair, stood front and center as her mother spoke to the jam-packed audience inside the rec center before the walk.

“I liked holding up the signs,” said Maggie, 3, who held up a pair of signs, one that read, “I am not alone,” and another that read. “1 in 8” to refer to the statistic of how many women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

As part of the ceremony, breast cancer survivors were recognized, with each stating their name and how long they have been a survivor.

Each survivor was also encouraged to share their story.

Silliman said 29 cancer survivors registered.

“It was a fantastic turnout; probably our best turnout,” Silliman said. “Everybody’s here for the right reason.”

Survivors who were interested were able to have their photo taken for the 2019 Carbon County Breast Cancer Survivor’s Wall, which will be posted on Facebook.

There was also a 50/50 drawing and an “In the Pink” raffle.

Funds from the event will be donated to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. This year, the donation will be made in honor of all survivors who participate in the walk.

The breast cancer coalition represents, supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy and breast cancer research grants.

The Lehighton Ambulance and the “Pink Heals” firetruck and ambulance also showed off their pink.

Each participant who registered received a pink glow bracelet, while each survivor received a glow bracelet and gift. Following the walk, light refreshments were served.

The 26th annual PA Breast Cancer Coalition conference will be held at the Harrisburg Hilton on Oct. 17-18.

For more information about the conference, visit pabreastcancer.org or register for the conference at: pbcc.me/conference.

In addition to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club supports many community and Lions projects annually.

Club meetings are generally held the first and last Thursdays of each month at the St Luke’s Gnaden Huetten Campus Community Room.

To learn more about becoming involved with the club and its activities, call Felicia Sue Anthony at 484-629-0590.