WORCESTER, Mass. — Hundreds of people gathered in Worcester on Sunday for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising more than $400,000 towards their cause.

The money raised will benefit research, supporting those living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and free programs provided by the Alzheimer’s Association.

It is estimated that 6.7 million Americans are living with the disease, including roughly one in nine people age 65 and older.

Many of the participants walked in honor of a family member. Mary Ellen Keith said her family is walking for her mother Connie, who passed away in 2017.

Connie previously walked with her family as she battled the disease, and now, they continue in her memory.

“I work in the health care system, so I see what this does to people and I'm here for all of them too, my mother and other people that deal with this,” Keith said. “It takes a lot away. And it's very hard on families. So to have the support of the Alzheimer's Association and the resources they provide are wonderful.”

In total, the walk included 1,451 participants from 261 teams. Fundraising is ongoing until December, so the amount of money raised is expected to continue climbing.