Patrick Smythe
Contributing Writer
On Thursday, October 2, the Pink Light Walk was held at East Stroudsburg University. Kayla Simon, ESU’s Coordinator of Wellness Education and Prevention, says the annual walk—sponsored by ESU and Lehigh Valley Health–Pocono’s Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October—has been going strong for nearly 25 years.
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but last Thursday night saw a community uniting in a celebration of courage and hope.
Organizers reported that in 2024 over 200 students and community members participated in this inspirational walk whose purpose is to raise awareness about breast cancer, remember those we have lost to the disease and emphasize the importance of early screening and detection.
The event started at 5 p.m. at East Stroudsburg University’s Science and Technology Center, featuring educational tables and interactive activities. Participants received pink t-shirts, and organizations such as ESU’s Gender and Sexuality Center, the American Cancer Society, LVHN’s Cancer Risk Assessment team, the pink mobile mammography coach and several sororities took part.
The walk kicked off at 6 p.m. with remarks by ESU’s President, Kenneth Long, with the East Stroudsburg University’s marching band leading the way.
The event ended at the LVHN – Pocono’s Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center located at 181 East Brown Street in East Stroudsburg where walkers found snacks and more educational displays. Survivors of breast cancer spoke, sharing their experiences with breast cancer.
Lambda Iota, one of the sororities that participated in the walk, shared that they walked to raise awareness about the deadly disease.
“It really is the reason that we call come together at the end of the day, to put together something meaningful, bigger than ourselves,” said Hannah Ressler, President of Lambda Iota.
The organizers of the Pink Light Walk hope that the walk and its educational and interactive tables raise awareness of the fact that everyone is at risk of breast cancer – men too are diagnosed. They also want to make sure that students and community members have information on signs, symptoms and where and when to get tested. Afterall, their mission is to raise awareness about breast cancer and to honor those facing it.