Ready. Set. Go.

A sea of purple shirts took off for the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Memorial Park Saturday morning in Colorado Springs.

Held annually, the walk is one of 13 that the Alzheimer’s Association hosts in Colorado to bring more awareness to the disease while also serving as a way to connect people with similar life experiences.

Over 3,000 people and their furry friends marched for 1.3 miles around Prospect Lake. Some carried colored flowers as they walked to symbolize their connection to the disease, including 51-year-old Marilyn Doster.

Carrying a yellow flower, which is for caregivers, Doster and other members of the Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado walked along the lake to remember one of their member’s mother, who was lost to the disease.

Signs of lost loved ones were posted along the route, including the woman’s mother.

“She cried as we walked, especially when she saw the sign. But at the same time, we’re so happy because we know that we’re doing the right thing,” Doster said.

As president of the nurses association, Doster said the group has partnered with organizers for the first time this year, adding that it’s just the beginning of a journey that lasts a lifetime.

The group was there to educate the community about Alzheimer’s disease, helping people learn how to take care of patients and spot early symptoms.

“When I see a patient of mine with symptoms, I always make sure that they’re diagnosed early on because the earlier you’re diagnosed, the better the care,” Doster said.

The group doesn’t stop at education. It was also there to connect. Doster said it “takes a village” when it comes to treating the disease, which has no cure.

The event serves as a way to connect to those with shared experiences so they can look to each other for support, which is critical, especially for the “very draining” lives of caregivers, Doster said.

“It’s an event of hope,” said Jim Herlihy, a spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association. “Having people come together and share their stories — everyone comes out and walks for something or someone.”

Herlihy said the walk is one of the biggest events the association hosts. It is part of roughly 600 walks across the country and is entirely self-funded through donations and sponsorships.

Months of planning culminates when the first person takes the step for the walk, sparking a hope in those affected with the disease by showing them you don’t just have to wither away, Herlihy said.

And hope was seen in the faces of hundreds who were chatting and laughing after the walk as music played and children danced. The connection with those around them pierced through what would otherwise be a solemn moment for many, including Doster and her friends.

“The walk is the largest support group for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” Herlihy said.

The walk has generated around $180,000 in donations, and the association aims to get $330,000. Herlihy said the money funds future walks and also pays for a staff help line, advocates who work with legislators and advocates who spread awareness throughout the community.

“We need to end this. We need more awareness. We need to find a cure for this,” Doster said.

Ready. Set. Go.

A sea of purple shirts took off for the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Memorial Park on Saturday morning in Colorado Springs.

Held annually, the walk is one of 13 that the Alzheimer’s Association hosts in Colorado to bring more awareness to the disease while serving as a way to connect people with similar life experiences.

More than 3,000 people and their furry friends marched for 1.3 miles around Prospect Lake. Some carried colored flowers as they walked to symbolize their connection to the disease, including 51-year-old Marilyn Doster.

Carrying a yellow flower, which is for caregivers, Doster and other members of the Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado walked along the lake to remember one of their member’s mother, who was lost to the disease.

Signs of lost loved ones were posted along the route, including the woman’s mother.

“She cried as we walked, especially when she saw the sign. But at the same time, we’re so happy because we know that we’re doing the right thing,” Doster said.

As president of the nurses association, Doster said the group has partnered with organizers for the first time this year, adding that it’s just the beginning of a journey that lasts a lifetime.

The group was there to educate the community about Alzheimer’s disease, helping people learn how to take care of patients and spot early symptoms.

“When I see a patient of mine with symptoms, I always make sure that they’re diagnosed early on because the earlier you’re diagnosed, the better the care,” Doster said.

The group doesn’t stop at education. It was also there to connect. Doster said it “takes a village” when it comes to treating the disease, which has no cure.

The event serves as a way to connect to those with shared experiences so they can look to each other for support, which is critical, especially for the “very draining” lives of caregivers, Doster said.

“It’s an event of hope,” said Jim Herlihy, a spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association. “Having people come together and share their stories — everyone comes out and walks for something or someone.”

Herlihy said the walk is one of the biggest events the association hosts. It is part of roughly 600 walks across the country and is self-funded through donations and sponsorships.

Months of planning culminates when the first person takes the step for the walk, sparking a hope in those affected with the disease by showing them you don’t just have to wither away, Herlihy said.

Hope was seen in the faces of hundreds who were chatting and laughing after the walk as music played and children danced. The connection with those around them pierced through what would otherwise be a solemn moment for many, including Doster and her friends.

“The walk is the largest support group for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” Herlihy said.

The walk has generated around $180,000 in donations, and the association aims to get $330,000. Herlihy said the money funds future walks and also pays for a staff help line, advocates who work with legislators and advocates who spread awareness throughout the community.

“We need to end this. We need more awareness. We need to find a cure for this,” Doster said.