Rainy weather did not dampen spirits at Mattson Lower Harbor Park last Saturday. Left: Dozens of people came out to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease. The event garnered $28,000 in donations for the cause, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. At right: Area youth were just some of the people who turned out umbrellas in hand to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette last Saturday. The Marquette walk was one of four events held in the Upper Peninsula in September and one of 25 that are being held across the state in the months of September and October. (Photos courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association)

By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE – Damp and rainy weather did not deter residents from the Marquette area from getting out for a cause on Saturday, Sept. 24.

According to an email from Alzheimer’s Association Yvette Stines, dozens of people came out for the ‘Walk Against Alzheimer’s’ last Saturday at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette.

September showers were simply a backdrop for participants to carry the association’s trademark flowers. The walk raised $28,000 for Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

The money also goes toward support and critical research of the two conditions.

Walks were also held in Sault Ste. Marie, Iron Mountain, and St. Ignace as well.

Stines said the Alzheimer’s Association will have hosted 25 walks across the state by the end of October.

The events are held in more than 600 communities annually nationwide. It’s the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

The association says more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and more than 11 million people in the U.S. provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

The disease kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

The disease is expected to cost the U.S. about $321 billion in 2022.

To donate, volunteer or learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association visit www.alz.org.