The disease affects more than 100,000 Americans, with Virginia facing particularly high rates among African American communities. In Virginia, 1 in 325 African Americans have the disease, while 1 in 12 carry the trait.

The event aimed to support efforts to find a cure by funding research and benefiting a groundbreaking research professorship named in honor of Florence Neal Cooper Smith, who has dedicated her life to advocating for people living with the disease.

Jennifer Newlin, a physician assistant at the Children's Hospital of Richmond, said the walk served multiple purposes beyond fundraising.

"I think that helps build just community and some unity, and I think we could all use that. I think they might learn something if they came and got to hear some you know, our patients speak, a

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