Monday evening over 130 walkers participated in the 18th annual West End Pink Light Walk.

The annual walk raises awareness for breast cancer and features many survivors and their family and friends.

Although it was windy and on the chilly side, cancer survivors, family members and friends supporting a loved one going through cancer or who lost someone from cancer bundled up and came out for the walk.

The parking lot looked like a sea of pink. Everything from pink hair to a pink ballerina along with dogs sporting pink, and strollers decorated with pink balloons, added to the festive and positive atmosphere.

“Not only does this walk raise awareness about breast cancer, it is such a source of support,” said Carmela Heard, a cancer survivor for 33 years.

She has been part of the West End Pink Light Walk committee for the past 18 years. She is also known for her warm-up sessions that she insists the walkers do before every walk.

Hope Christman, one of the organizers of the West End Pink Light Walk, said when she introduced a woman named Pat, who was going through breast cancer treatments and was new to the walk, everyone gathered around her to give her a hug, it made her realize what a strong support system we have.

“I didn’t know her or have her last name, but it didn’t matter to any of the people who wanted to show support for what she was going through,” she said.