The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting area residents to take part in its Walk to End Alzheimer’s Minot on Saturday, Sept. 21.

The family-friendly event will be held in Oak Park. Proceeds raised help the association fund its local, no-cost community education classes, support groups and resources. Donations also advance research and advocacy efforts on behalf of families impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia, according to a news release from the Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter.

Walkers take part to honor individuals and families impacted by the disease and future generations. The walk begins with a poignant Promise Garden ceremony, in which walkers hold a colored flower representing their personal connection to the cause. They may have lost someone (purple), be fighting the disease (blue), be a caregiver (yellow) or be a supporter of the cause (orange).

Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the opening ceremony is at 10 a.m., with the casual walk to follow. Participants are encouraged to register early and fundraise to help the Alzheimer’s Association reach its $65,000 goal. To register, contact the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter.

The cause is deeply personal for event organizer Sarah Flesberg, the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter’s senior development manager

“I’m walking in memory of my grandmothers, who both passed away while living with dementia,” she said. “It was such a heartbreaking experience, dealing with all the frustrations that come with the loss of memory and independence. My favorite part about the walk is that we can do something to prevent this experience for other families in the future.”

Flesberg said she loves seeing all the colorful promise garden flowers raised by participants during the walk opening ceremony.

“It is so emotional and inspiring to see people of all ages gather together to show their support for a world without Alzheimer’s,” she said.

In the U.S. nearly 7 million people are living with Alzheimer’s. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia − more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In North Dakota, there are more than 13,700 people living with Alzheimer’s and 19,000 unpaid caregivers supporting them.

The Minot Walk to End Alzheimer’s volunteer committee includes Jessica Nelson, Dawn Anderson, Tanner Helstedt, Ali Laas, Jenny Lock, Holly Magcalas, Ruby Rau and Katie Shelkey.