Volunteers have raised thousands of dollars for Alzheimer’s research with thousands more needed to meet goal as part of the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s campaign in St. Joseph.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, as of Friday the campaign had raised 69 percent of its $25,500 goal.  The one mile walk will be held Sept. 24th at Heritage Park located at 2202 Waterworks Rd.  Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a ceremony and walk to follow.

Brenda Gregg is a Dementia Care Specialist with the organization’s Hearth of American Chapter which serves 66 counties in Kansas and Missouri.  Gregg said the association’s mission is to advance research to provide and enhance care and support for those affected and reduce the risk of dementia.

“Right now we know more than ever before about the disease, and right now there is more research going on than ever before about coming up with a treatment or a cure for Alzheimer’s,” Gregg said. “I don’t know how close we are but we’re definitely on our way.”

Mike Ritter, whose mother is affected by the Alzheimer’s disease, volunteers his time with the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Often when I go to visit my mom I don’t know if I’m going to see my mom or if i’m going to see what’s left of my mom after Alzheimer’s has kind of had its way with her.  I never know which version of her I’m going to see,” Ritter said. “In our case it has taken away small bits and pieces of mom very slowly and then there are other moments when it has taken huge gaps of her memory and her personality.”

Ritter said he knows a cure for the disease is too late for his mother, but he’s hopeful researchers will come up with a solution for other families.

CLICK HERE for more information on the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.