More than 1,100 Sarasota-Manatee residents gathered at Nathan Benderson Park for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Nov. 2, supporting victims of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

“I’m ready to find a cure,” said event chair Cassidy Junot. “I’ve been participating for over 10 years now and it’s time. It’s time to find a cure.”

In Florida, there are more than 580,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and 840,000 unpaid caregivers. New treatments aimed at slowing the progression of the disease were approved last July and are giving families hope for the first time.

To date, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s has raised more than $270,000 for care, support, research, advocacy and awareness initiatives through the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter (alz.org/flgulfcoast).

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that affects thinking, memory and behavior. Nearly 7 million Americans live with the disease in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Donations are still being accepted for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Sarasota through December 31. Donate or learn more about alz.org/SarasotaCountyWalk.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Alzheimer’s Association is a global voluntary health organization dedicated to the care, support and research of Alzheimer’s disease. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

Submitted by Matt Eaton

This article originally appeared on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Walk to End Alzheimer’s Raises Over $270,000