The annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Fairfield County shifted their usual 5K walk into a socially distant drive-thru experience on Sunday.

The event looks a lot different this year, but the energy and the enthusiasm was still present as cars passed through Sherwood Island State Park.

The American Cancer Society says it modified the event to prevent the spread of illness, as safety is the top priority for the organization.

The drive-thru started at 9 a.m. where participants had the opportunity to ride in their vehicles and celebrate with music, an in-car team photo station and more.

Many participants decorated their vehicles with pink streamers, signs and positive messages. They cheered for one another as their vehicles crossed through the archway at the park.

An organizer of the event says it's important to honor survivors, family members and anyone impacted by breast cancer this year, especially during the pandemic.

"Cancer has not stopped during the pandemic," says Katie DiVenuto. "There's still patients that are going through treatment…women should still be getting their proper screenings."

Breast cancer survivors at the event tell News 12 that they're happy the event could still go on despite COVID-19.

"I am so happy that despite the COVID, nothing could stop the American Cancer Society," says breast cancer survivor Lillie Ennis. "Knowing the community is still supporting breast cancer at large, I think it's just so amazing that they are so innovative to find a way to still be able to honor us as survivors."

Participants say the event means more than just a day of celebrations, but instead a day of uplifting each other and being a part of a greater community.

"I was diagnosed at a very young age at 25, no family history. So, these women became my family in that regard of just supporting me," Ennis says. "It's a huge battle…nobody really know what it's like until you actually go through it"

Donations raised by the event will help the American Cancer Society ensure that patients aren't going through breast cancer alone by funding innovative breast cancer research.