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NEW ORLEANS — Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and MORE THAN PINK Walk events will be held virtually in 2020 amid coronavirus safety concerns, according to an announcement from Susan G. Komen.

The decision to conduct its signature fundraising series of 5ks and family walks virtually this year was made in the interest of protecting the health and safety of its participants from COVID-19, many of which are breast cancer survivors and those living with the disease.

Komen Affiliates will be using social media posts, marketing programs and technology solutions that will allow for a meaningful virtual event for participants and sponsors.

“Our events have long served two important purposes – they are both critical fundraisers that contribute significant funds to fuel our breast cancer research and patient support efforts, and they provide all those touched by breast cancer a way to show their support, meet people who are going through similar experiences, and feel a sense of being a part of a large compassionate community that is making a difference in the fight against breast cancer,” said Carrie Stovall, vice president of peer to peer fundraising at Susan G. Komen. “Breast cancer doesn’t stop just because of COVID-19. We believe we can preserve the sense of community through this new virtual fundraising walk, even though we will be walking where we are. The added benefit of this new virtual experience is that people who previously couldn’t attend an in-person event will now be able to participate and be part of the community our events create.”