Over 500 walkers and about 100 volunteers participated in the 4th annual Springfield Alzheimer’s Walk at Southwind Park on bright Saturday morning.

Bands, cheer leaders, vendors, and service providers were on hand for the festivities.

The event is intended to raise funds and awareness to battle the memory-robbing disease.

Organizers say more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Illinois alone, there are more than 233,000 people living with the disease and 314,000 caregivers.

They say over $120,000 was raised during the event. All that money will go to Alzheimer’s research and services, and it will all stay in Illinois.

If you would like to help, go to ALZ.org/walk.