DES MOINES, Iowa — Over 1,500 participants took part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event hosted at Principal Park in downtown Des Moines.

Featuring a two-mile walk around the Principal Park area, the goal of the walk was to raise money for both research to find a cure for the disorder, as well as financial help for those dealing with the disease. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association surpasses $282,000.

Those participating in the event carried a promise garden flower representing their connection to Alzheimer’s.

• Orange- those who support the cause and the search for a research.
• Yellow- those supporting someone that currently has the disease.
• Purple- for someone who lost a loved one or friend to Alzheimer’s.
• Blue- someone living with Alzheimer’s themselves.

Keesha Ward, Director of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association, said events like these are what needs to happen to make people know that they are not alone.

“There’s a lot of excitement just around the disease itself and building that community and rallying around each other,” Ward said. “So that helps with it. But then we’re in this awesome new location here at Principal Park, and so there’s so much to do here for us to thrive and to have partners such as with the food trucks and our live bands. So it really is that time of being in community with each other. And that’s what we need right now.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is still trying to reaching its fundraising goal. To contribute, you can do so here.