She endured a double mastectomy with reconstruction followed by chemotherapy and five years of endocrine therapy.

After all that, things seemed to be looking up for Lisa DiRico of Nazareth, a breast cancer survivor.

Or, so it appeared.

Originally diagnosed in 2017, DiRico came to work at St. Luke’s Monroe Regional Breast Center in January 2023 to work as a nurse navigator.

“It was important to me to give back and help other women that were newly diagnosed,” DiRico said. “July 2023 I met with my oncologist and was given the green light that I was done with my endocrine therapy, breast cancer was looking further and further in the rear view mirror, or so I thought.”

In January, DiRico underwent a breast MRI at St. Luke’s Monroe campus for what possible fat necrosis around her implant. While it did confirm the areas were indeed fat necrosis, it also showed an enlarged lymph node in her left axilla, the same side that her breast cancer was on.

After an ultrasound and two biopsies, DiRico’s biggest fear rang true: It was confirmed that she had recurrent breast cancer.

“I was stunned after a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, I wondered how this could be,” DiRico told a full house of supporters who packed the Lehighton Amphitheatre on Tuesday to listen to her story.

DiRico said she then met with Dr. Grace Fan, radiation oncologist at the Monroe campus, and the plan was for 35 daily radiation treatments excluding weekends.

Without the support of the staff, DiRico, who is married with three children, said she could have never made it through those treatments.

“I am now four months post radiation and am back on endocrine therapy and Kisqali, a kinase inhibitor,” she said. “I am not sure how long I will be on these meds, but I don’t let breast cancer stand in the way of living.”

DiRico was one of two guest speakers at the 19th annual Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club Pink Light Walk and Basket Raffle held Tuesday at the Lehighton Boys and Girls Band Hall.

Marsha Estep, co-coordinator for the walk, said 20 cancer survivors participated in the event.

After gathering at the band hall, 130 walkers took the sojourn to the amphitheater.

Estep, who is also the director of emergency services at St. Luke’s Carbon Campus, welcomed those in attendance.

She noted this was the first year for the Pink Light Walk Sponsorship Program. The following were acknowledged: Hot Pink Level: St Luke’s University Health Network; Pink Ribbon Level: Lehigh Valley Health Network, Brad Maier/State Farm; Survivor Level: Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Mauch Chunk Trust Company; Fuchsia Level: Carbon Search & Settlement, Bennett Family Properties, Walmart, Blue Mountain Resort, Lehighton Outdoor Center, Mauch Chunk Museum.

Estep said the event was dedicated to the late Lion Cleo Balliet, who passed away in June. Balliet was a breast cancer survivor and she was very dedicated to the Lions Club’s fight for the cure.

“She was a very big supporter of ours,” Estep said. “This has special meaning.”

Gretchen Cash, St. Luke’s University Health Network breast nurse navigator, stressed the importance of early detection.

Cash said it’s important for woman to get their mammograms, and added breast cancers can start anywhere in a family line.

Estep shared that same sentiment.

“I think prevention is vital; it can actually save your life,” she said. “Preventative measures are immense.”

The breast cancer awareness event featured a walk. Before the walk, participants were able to purchase basket raffle tickets.

Pink Heels Ambulance also made an appearance. There was also a vendor area.

There was also a group of bagpipers, Beth Ritter-Guth (of Palmerton), and Gene Kutzier, and Mike Kingsley from Celtic United, who played to greet the walkers as they arrived at the amphitheater.

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.

After returning to the band hall, participants were provided with refreshments.

All event proceeds benefit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.