Tuesday’s Pink Light Walk in Lehighton produced a mass turnout of survivors and supporters, all aiming to prevent and cure the scourge of breast cancer.

Organized by survivor Jane Longazel of the Lehighton Lioness Lions Club, the event featured over 230 walkers, along with 26 survivors.“The goal for Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club is to bring awareness to the county regarding breast cancer. The club has a number of survivors in the club itself, so it’s very passionate about the mission that we have,” Longazel said.“Our message is early detection, and that can help save lives in the long run.”The event began at Lehighton Recreation Center with walker registrations, as well as Chinese auctions, tricky trays and prize raffles.All proceeds went to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, which supports research and treatment within the state.Pink Heals’ Marilyn Andress of Bethlehem made an appearance with a pink firetruck in the parking lot. Walkers had an opportunity to sign the truck and take photos. Pink Heals is a charitable group that supports community-based fundraising focusing on women and their families.“I thought this was awesome, really amazing,” Andress said, decked out in a pink firefighter’s uniform. “It’s so nice to see all the people, all the pink. It’s like an explosion of pink.”A sea of pink-clad supporters sporting pink electric candles, led by a group of banner-bearing Girl Scouts, flowed along the streets of Lehighton to the park’s amphitheater.Many attendees came with a bit of flair, ranging from pink face paint to full-on costumes — including a cow, a Minion, and a few men in wigs, tutus and fairy wings.At the amphitheater, survivor Gerry Andrews delivered a heartfelt speech regarding her personal battles with cancer, along with advice and positive affirmations.“I went through breast cancer twice, and I am a survivor,” Andrews said. “For anybody who is at risk, have mammograms done. Cancer doesn’t discriminate.”Following her speech, Longazel presented Andrews with a commemorative necklace.Rounding out the walk, Lehighton Downtown Initiative’s Lisa Perry presented a $1,970 donation to the cause, which was collected from basket raffles and other charitable events at Rocktoberfest.After trekking back to the recreation center, walkers were treated to hot dogs, cupcakes and beverages.The most poignant element of the night had to be the demeanor of the crowd, keeping an upbeat and positive attitude, even in the face of a dire situation.“I’m a 19-year survivor myself. I survived inflammatory breast cancer, which is one of the more rare forms of breast cancer. I had roughly a 33 percent chance of survival, and have defied those odds for 19 years,” Longazel said with a smile.