The streets in Lehighton were adorned in a sea of pink as participants joined forces to raise awareness for breast cancer.

The Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club hosted its 21st annual Pink Light Walk on Tuesday.

It began at the Lehighton Boys and Girls Band Hall, where there was a basket raffle.

There were vendors and support groups on-site, along with the Pink Heals Ambulance, which asked survivors to autograph the ambulance.

Abelina Madera, 5, of Jim Thorpe, was among the many to sign the ambulance. She was accompanied by her grandmother, Candy Madera, of Jim Thorpe.

Participants were escorted by the “Black Beauty” truck to the Lehighton Amphitheater. Bagpipers, led by Beth Ritter-Guth, greeted the walkers at the amphitheater.

Marsha Estep, co-chair of the walk, noted that breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women, behind lung cancer.

Estep said some encouraging news is that survival awareness continues to improve.

She stressed that awareness must lead to action, such as routine screening.

Two health care professionals, Dr. Ali Butash, a general surgeon specializing in surgical oncology, and Metsa Osmanzai, lead mammogram technician at St Lukes Hospital, spoke.

“Seeing all the survivors here is really amazing,” Butash said. “Cancer care is a team sport, and knowing everyone is on your side is helpful.”

A short ceremony followed at the amphitheater to recognize breast cancer survivors.

All survivors were acknowledged with a gift and provided with the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their number of years of survivorship.

Walkers returned to the band hall where light refreshments were served.

Brenda Green, vice president, Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club, said this year’s event saw a great turnout.

Green said there were roughly 275 participants, 34 of whom are cancer survivors.

“We don’t have totals on money raised, but we are content, a great success,” Green said. “Our club is so grateful for the participation of our community as well as the walk sponsors, basket donors, and support groups.”

Green said this year’s walk with give 75% of the proceeds to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, with the remaining 25% to Heart Wings, a foundation in Lehighton that assists breast cancer patients with items not covered by their insurance. Last year, they were able to donate $7,288, she said.

Green said they received walk sponsorships from St Luke’s Health Network/Carbon, Carbon Search & Settlement, Steven’s Heating, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, 443 Auto Sales, Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Pam Gothard/ReMax RE, Iron Valley RE, Walmart, RA Ahner Furniture & Appliances, Mauch Chunk Trust, Blue Mountain Resort and Woodstone Country Club.