HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Hundreds of people gathered in Western Massachusetts for a special cause that is not unfamiliar to many of us.

Local residents marched early Sunday to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

“It was a great opportunity to share the love and care he gave her,” Annabeth Lemberg said.

Annabeth Lemberg’s footsteps are destined for her grandfather.

“I walk in memory of my grandfather Marshall Butler, he was in a nursing home, in a care facility during his four years of battling Alzheimer’s,” Lemberg said. “It was such joy and I wanted to keep that spirit alive.”

Every moment, Annabeth and hundreds of others aim to honor those who know the fight against Alzheimer’s all too well.

“Alzheimer’s disease is one of those illnesses that some people feel like there’s a stigma attached to it, so it can be very isolating,” Julie Rivers said. “Dealing with dementia can be very lonely. »

Julie Rivers co-chaired the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” on Sunday, an event that has been around for decades like Annabeth. Rivers wants us to be there to help spread the message that has rescued loved ones from illness.

“It doesn’t stop, unfortunately, it continues to affect people across the country, across the world, and certainly in western Massachusetts,” Rivers noted.

A wave of purple filled Holyoke, people from all walks of life united in a common cause.

Annabeth, the captain of her walking team, says it best.

“I want to raise awareness of this disease and the fight it involves both for the person and for the families around them,” added Lemberg.

Awareness has certainly been increased, but so has funding. Understanding how this deadly disease works requires research.

“One hundred percent of the money we raise goes to the Alzheimer’s Association which is the largest funder of research for a cure for which there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s and other diseases forms of dementia,” Rivers said.

Whatever the gift, big or small, giving in any way is welcome in the walk.

“Of course, I will participate as long as I am in the region,” noted Lemberg.

“If you couldn’t come this year, come next year,” Rivers added. “We’ll be here every year.”

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