Raising awareness for breast cancer

"Awareness, screenings, and early detection are the keys in the fight against breast cancer," states the Northeastern PA Gallery of Hope home page.

"If detected early, the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is 97 percent."

To promote breast cancer awareness, the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club will sponsor its ninth annual Pink Light Walk at the Lehighton Recreation Center on Oct. 7.

Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the walk to follow at 6:30 p.m. Participants will walk from the recreation center to the Lehighton Amphitheatre and back.

All those participating are asked to wear a pink shirt to increase awareness for breast cancer.

There is no charge to participate.

Each participant will receive a bag with useful information and other small prizes.

Susan Generose, breast cancer survivor and registered dietitian at Blue Mountain Health System, will be the keynote speaker for the event.

Generose is also included in the Northeastern PA Gallery of Hope as the Luzerne County representative.

Following the walk, light refreshments will be served and there will be a raffle.

There will also be the chance to win a 60-inch by 60-inch pink quilted throw, designed and quilted by Friends of the Quilted Crow in memory of Brenda Smith.

A drawing for the quilt will follow the walk and all funds raised will support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.

Vendors interested in participating at the event are asked to call Alicia at 570-325-8685 after 5 p.m. weekdays. There is a charge for a table.

Walk participants should preregister by calling 610-377-1053 or 610-379-4570 or by going to pinklightwalk@yahoo.com and providing name, address, telephone number and email address, and indicate whether they are a survivor or supporter.

Registration deadline is Sept. 28.

The event will be held rain or shine.