This year, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is everywhere. All of us are raising funds for one goal, a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

The event is usually held at The Park at River Walk. Instead of a large, in-person gathering, the Alzheimer's Association says it is allowing people to participate from anywhere.

Alzheimer's is the third-leading cause of death in California, and there is no treatment or cure. The virtual walk is slated for October 17, but anyone can register and contribute to fundraising efforts now. So far, slightly over $20,000 has been donated out of a $110,000 goal.

While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise funds that will advance the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association by enabling critical care and support services and advancing research toward methods of prevention, treatment, and, ultimately, a cure.

On Walk day, an Opening Ceremony will feature local speakers and a presentation of Promise Flowers to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, all delivered to participants' smartphones, tablets and computers. A small group of Alzheimer’s Association staff and volunteers will create the iconic Promise Garden in a “view only” format on Walk day to honor all those impacted by Alzheimer’s.

Sign up for our Bakersfield Walk on October 17th by visiting alz.org/walk or call 661-912-3053.

The world may look a little differently right now, but one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to the fight against Alzheimer's and all dementia.