early 1,700 people joined together to stomp out the disease for this year's annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, including KATU News' own Wesleigh Ogle. She lost her grandmother to the disease.

Ogle is among the six million other families impacted by this disease across America. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the number is expected to grow to nearly 13 million by 2050.

That's why events like these are crucial.

Nearly 1,700 people joined together in Portland to stomp out the disease for this year's annual Walk to End Alzheimer's. October 16, 2021 (KATU)

They help raise awareness and money that will go toward research. They also give those fighting a chance to find support in others. 

"It brings us together as a community so that we can all be in the same fight together, with support, and brings hope to everybody involved," said Dana Kilgus, a Portland Walk manager.

This year's walk set out to raise $460,000. So far, nearly $380,000 has been raised.

If you weren't able to participate in this weekend's event, but want to contribute, you can still make a donation online.