The streets along the Embarcadero in San Francisco were soaked in a downpour while 5,000 participants walked together in rain jackets to raise money for care, support and research for people who have Alzheimer’s disease; as well as their caregivers.

Currently, an estimated 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s, a disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills, said the Alzheimer’s Association, who hosted the event. It states, more than 15 million individuals are providing care for people with Alzheimer’s on their own without paid medical care.

“This walk is very personal, whether you’re walking for friends or family, caregivers, or people living with Alzheimer’s, we’re here to stop the healthcare costs and fight the nation’s sixth leading cause for death,” Dennis O’Donnell, sports anchor for KPIX television said.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s started at Mission Creek Park and went for 3 miles, or a 1.5 mile shortcut and ventured from Channel Street over the 3rd Street bridge, behind AT&T Park, up the Embarcadero and along the water to Folsom Street and returned to the ballpark.

“Most people will go to their grave never even knowing they had it,” O’Donnell said during his welcome speech before the walk. “The cost of Alzheimer’s care continues to escalate into the hundreds of billions of dollars.”

The Northern Alzheimer’s Association, the global leader in the quest to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease, put on the event. The association connects scientists in a strategic effort that combines diverse initiatives aimed at uncovering new treatments, methods of prevention and eventually a cure for Alzheimer’s.

“We believe that together we can create a world where our children neither have Alzheimer’s or have to care for someone who does,” said Bill Fisher, CEO of the Northern Alzheimer’s Association of the California Chapter.

The association has raised over $250 million since 1989 and set their goal at $1.5 million for the San Francisco walk this year. As of Sunday, they are 66 percent in reach of their goal at $694,571.98, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website.

“The goal is to raise money for support and research for the disease,” Erin Mckenna, Alzheimer’s Association Special Events Manager and CEO said. “We are not quite there yet but we still do post walk fundraising that continues until Oct 31, so we’re hoping we cross that million dollar mark soon.”

Aside from the walk, the event consisted of live music performances by members of the association on the main stage as well as along the route. Participants were able to enjoy face painting, inflatable jump houses and arts and crafts at the Family Pavilion Center and also could visit the remembrance area located in the pavilion building at the main event stage.

This area featured an art exhibit and music while walkers were encouraged to honor a loved one by leaving photos or mementos there. Event attendees also had the opportunity to collect valuable information and learn about local programs, services, facilities, research and more.

“My dad has Alzheimer’s and I did what many people did and are going to try and do,” said O’Donnell, who has been affiliated with the Northern California Alzheimer’s Association for 12 years. “You know, you live with your dad and you go through each step. I remember changing the locks in the house, I remember getting a bigger microwave oven so he could understand it a little bit better, but then you realize with some of the things that you’re doing, that his memory is beginning to fade.”

The city of San Francisco offers a variety of support groups for people who have Alzheimer’s disease as well as people who are coping with the care of a family member.  These groups include a support group for people that just received a diagnosis, a 24/7 helpline, education sessions and classes, McKenna said.

“So you kind of go through the process of understanding the disease on your own, but the Northern California Alzheimer’s Association helped me so much to understand, find the resources and to get me and my family help so we can support my father in this great time of need,” O’Donnell said.

“Each one of us plays a vital role in this fight against Alzheimer’s and by being here today and raising funds and the awareness with all of us together, we are reclaiming the future of millions,” O’Donnell said

“Most people will go to their grave never even knowing they had it,” O’Donnell said during his welcome speech before the walk. “The cost of Alzheimer’s care continues to escalate into the hundreds of billions of dollars.”

The Northern Alzheimer’s Association, the global leader in the quest to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease, put on the event. The association connects scientists in a strategic effort that combines diverse initiatives aimed at uncovering new treatments, methods of prevention and eventually a cure for Alzheimer’s.

“We believe that together we can create a world where our children neither have Alzheimer’s or have to care for someone who does,” said Bill Fisher, CEO of the Northern Alzheimer’s Association of the California Chapter.

The association has raised over $250 million since 1989 and set their goal at $1.5 million for the San Francisco walk this year. As of Sunday, they are 66 percent in reach of their goal at $694,571.98, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website.

“The goal is to raise money for support and research for the disease,” Erin Mckenna, Alzheimer’s Association Special Events Manager and CEO said. “We are not quite there yet but we still do post walk fundraising that continues until Oct 31, so we’re hoping we cross that million dollar mark soon.”

Aside from the walk, the event consisted of live music performances by members of the association on the main stage as well as along the route. Participants were able to enjoy face painting, inflatable jump houses and arts and crafts at the Family Pavilion Center and also could visit the remembrance area located in the pavilion building at the main event stage.

This area featured an art exhibit and music while walkers were encouraged to honor a loved one by leaving photos or mementos there. Event attendees also had the opportunity to collect valuable information and learn about local programs, services, facilities, research and more.

“My dad has Alzheimer’s and I did what many people did and are going to try and do,” said O’Donnell, who has been affiliated with the Northern California Alzheimer’s Association for 12 years. “You know, you live with your dad and you go through each step. I remember changing the locks in the house, I remember getting a bigger microwave oven so he could understand it a little bit better, but then you realize with some of the things that you’re doing, that his memory is beginning to fade.”

The city of San Francisco offers a variety of support groups for people who have Alzheimer’s disease as well as people who are coping with the care of a family member.  These groups include a support group for people that just received a diagnosis, a 24/7 helpline, education sessions and classes, McKenna said.

“So you kind of go through the process of understanding the disease on your own, but the Northern California Alzheimer’s Association helped me so much to understand, find the resources and to get me and my family help so we can support my father in this great time of need,” O’Donnell said.

“Each one of us plays a vital role in this fight against Alzheimer’s and by being here today and raising funds and the awareness with all of us together, we are reclaiming the future of millions,” O’Donnell said.