DRYDEN, N.Y. — The annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, hosted by the nonprofit Alzheimer's Association, took place Sunday at Tompkins Cortland Community College.
Volunteers, staff members, and participants brought color to the campus with white-and-purple t-shirts made to show support for those living with Alzheimer's disease, and their hope to find a cure through research.
Each walker was also given a colored flower—each retaining a different meaning—to contribute to the association's "Promise Garden."
"This community really steps up to help support individuals and families living with this disease," said Catherine James, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Association,
Adults, students, and small children walked two miles on the Dryden campus, which was organized to honor Daniel Camp, a 60-year-old Cortland resident who was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.
The biggest hardship Camp has had to face is the losing the ability to drive, he said.
"Driving from one place to another gave me freedom, which I no longer had. Some days these challenges really test my patience," Camp said.
Despite this setback in Camp's life, he remains positive with support from family and friends. His sister, Ginger Kandle, share her brother's hopeful outlook.
"Somewhere, someday, we're going to find a cure," Kandle said.
The event raised nearly $35,000 for the Alzheimer's Association.
