A Pink Wave of Hope Rolls in at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono
25th Annual Pink Light Walk honors those facing breast cancer
The annual Pink Light Walk, presented by Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Pocono and East Stroudsburg University (ESU), once again highlighted awareness of breast cancer and honored survivors, their families and those who were lost to the disease. The event, held Oct. 2 this year, is a remarkable evening of camaraderie, connection and remembrance.
Beginning at East Stroudsburg University’s Hoeffner Science & Technology Center, 108 Normal St. in East Stroudsburg, the evening started with an information fair at 5 p.m., where local health and wellness vendors showcased their latest products and services. From there, the hundreds who attended – dressed in the color of the occasion – formed a pink procession at 6 p.m. and walked the nearly 1-mile route to LVH–Pocono’s Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center at 181 E. Brown St.
An important part of the evening were brief remarks from surgical oncologists Krista Bott, MD, and Jacqueline C. Oxenberg, DO, both with Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center at LVH–Pocono. They noted the latest guidelines, from the Society of Breast Imaging and others, recommend that women with average risk for breast cancer begin getting annual mammograms at age 40. Data show that one out of six new breast cancers develop in people who are in the age range of 40 to 50. Cancers detected during screenings are usually early-stage, and the earlier cancer is caught, the better the prognosis and survival rate for the patient.
Breast cancer survivor Teresa Petitti also spoke about her experience in a heartwarming message of hope and a testament to the quality care she received at LVH–Pocono.
Topping off the event were pink-ribbon cookies, music from ESU’s Warrior Marching Band and giveaways. The evening closed with attendees illuminating a tree in front of the cancer center with pink lights to honor those facing cancer and to remember the loved ones who were lost.
To extend awareness throughout the month of October, the students in ESU’s Lambda Iota sorority are decorating and donating bras, which will be hung outside the Cancer Center’s main entrance. The bras will serve as a creative and whimsical reminder about the importance of screenings and self-exams.
