‘They’re not alone’: Nearly 400 people take part in this year’s C. Oregon Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Riverbend Park

(Update: Adding video, comments from walk manager, participant)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and it kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Hundreds of people participated in the Central Oregon Walk to End Alzheimer's Sunday afternoon at Riverbend Park. It's the largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. The organization surpassed its fundraising goal of $100,000.

 "I want to make sure that every family knows, every individual knows that they're not alone in what they're going through," Alzheimer's Association's Walk Manager Kaitlyn Bertholet said.

The walk brought together nearly 400 participants, and over 80 teams.

COCC walk teams member Jen Chance said, "I'm here to honor my dad, Jim, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 58, and he became free from Alzheimer's in 2021 at the age of 66. I'm also here honoring my mom and my uncle, who were his full-time caregivers."

People were able to show support for anyone facing Alzheimer's and other dementias. 

Bertholet said, "I lost both of my grandmothers to forms of dementia, and I saw the struggle that my family went through and helping support them."

According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in three seniors die with Alzheimer's or another dementia. 

At the park, participants enjoyed live music, a family-fun zone, bubbles and stilt walking. 

Chance said, "Having this kind of visibility reminds us that we're not alone. That's what we do as a community."

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide.