Breast cancer never takes a break, not even during a pandemic.

Fortunately, neither do the people who participated in the 15th annual Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club Pink Light Walk on Tuesday.

Over 150 participants took part in the event, according to Alicia Silliman, club director.

“We were overwhelmed with the response, especially considering the pandemic,” Silliman said. “We’re able to control a lot during the pandemic, but breast cancer continued on.”

Silliman said they had hand sanitizer, masks, social distancing, took temperatures, and had participants sign a COVID-19 release form.

“And that was very, very important to keep that awareness going because we need to continue to have funds for research, and support for their families who have breast cancer,” she said.

Silliman said St. Luke’s University Health Network provided every participant with hand sanitizer, while Lehigh Valley Health Network provided each participant with a mask. Also, Perfect Balance Boutique in Lehighton provided each survivor with a pink ribbon mask.

As an added bonus, she said that a $500 anonymous donation was received.

The walk began at the Lehighton Boys and Girls Band Hall, and continued to the Lehighton Park amphitheater. Those who participated were asked to wear a pink shirt to increase awareness of breast cancer and show their support for all survivors.

Theresa Long, RN, 2020 ACS Courage Award Recipient, and three-time survivor of lung and breast cancer, served as this year’s speaker.

Long was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 when she was 34 years old.

The former vice president of nursing for Blue Mountain Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton campuses went through 12 weeks of radiation and a course of tamoxifen.

But in 2007 a routine mammogram showed the tumor in her other breast.

Long went to Philadelphia for a second opinion, and before any treatment the doctor recommended BRCA2 genetic testing because she had two bouts of breast cancer before the age of 50.

A carcinoid tumor was found in her left lung in 2018. The doctor said the tumor was in a tough place, close to the heart, but he thought he could get it.

Long currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Danville State Hospital.

She obtained a master’s degree and now teaches psychiatric nursing and leadership clinicals at Wilkes University, where she was nominated for adjunct faculty of the year.

Long lives in Drums with her husband, David, and sons, Morgan, 19, and Noah, 17.

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 19 cancer survivors registered.

Survivors who were interested were able to have their photo taken for the 2020 Carbon County Breast Cancer Survivor’s Wall, which will then be posted on Facebook.

There was also a 50/50 drawing, and funds from the walk will be donated to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. The donation will be made in honor of all survivors who participated in the walk.

The PA 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.

In addition, the “Pink Heels” ambulance was present to show support for all those who have or have had breast cancer.

For more information about the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, visit pabreastcancer.org.

In addition to the 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 6 p.m. at the Lehighton Boys and Girls Band Hall.