RICHMOND, Va. -- The Sisters Network of Central Virginia has spent the last 15 years covering Richmond neighborhoods to help save lives, but this year will be a lot different.
"We jumped on that train that everyone is on trying to get things done the best way they can: virtually. We're going to be doing it virtually this year," Sisters Network of Central Virginia President Regina Hall said.
COVID-19 is forcing the group to take their annual block walk online.
"We can't really have folk come together and congregate like we normally do," Hall explained.
The coronavirus may be changing how they walk, but not what they do. The Sisters Network focuses on the impact breast cancer has on the Black community.
Black women die of breast cancer at a higher rate compared to white women and the cancer is often more aggressive in Black women.
A big mission behind the block walk is to meet women face-to-face and urging them to get a mammogram.
Since COVID-19, the group has seen an uptick in those needing help.
Proceeds from the walk will provide a much needed lifeline.
"We don't want them to decide, do I eat or do I get my treatment," Hall said. "We just want them to be able to make ends meet now more than ever with so much going on."
This year's event, The Gift of Giving Block Walk is on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Click here to register for the event. Participants and pets can join the walk over Zoom on the day of the event.
"Wherever they decide to walk. Whether it's in their community or at home on their treadmill, around their neighborhood," said Hall.
CBS 6 Anchor Reba Hollingsworth will emcee the virtual at 10 a.m.
If you can't participate in the walk, you can still make a donation on the SNCVA website.
On the 6th of the month, CBS 6 and VCU Massey Cancer Center remind women to contact their buddy to remind them to conduct a monthly breast self-exam. If it is time, you should also schedule an annual clinical breast exam and mammogram, which are key to early detection.
