Hundreds walk to end Alzheimer's

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - More than 450 people packed Cumberland Park Sunday for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's.

The walk is the Alzheimer's Association's biggest fundraiser. Families, friends, supporters, and even Alzheimer's patients participated in the walk.

Everyone also held a special flower pin wheel. The blue flowers represented those living with Alzheimer's. Mike Hatke has Alzheimer's and participated in the walk with his family.

Hatke said he hopes to help people understand Alzheimer's is not only affecting the elderly.

"We need to find a cure," said Hatke. "It's not old timers. It's Alzheimer's. It's every age."

"I think really just the importance of celebrating life, and not focusing on the fact that Alzheimer's is there," said Walk to End Alzheimer's Organizer Sarah May. "Learning how to focus on a new life, and a changed life. It's really important to those who have Alzheimer's and their families."

Organizers said they hoped to raise $60,000 at the walk.