Names were written on dozens of windmill flowers, each representing a loved one afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease, that were planted into a Promise Garden at The Park at River Walk on Sept. 26.

The 2015 Bakersfield Walk to End Alzheimer’s charity event was held by the Alzheimer’s Association and was presented by Pacific Neuroscience Medical Group in order to get participants to learn more about the disease and how to get involved with its programs and services.

This year, its goal of raising $53,000 was accomplished with over 500 walkers that participated. All of the proceeds go to the Central Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as well as the Bakersfield office due to it being a new addition and needing more funding than it’s receiving.

Teams of walkers were seen in shirts sporting the names of the loved ones they were walking for as well as many volunteers who were along the walkways cheering on those who passed by.

Rosa Gonzales was a part of a team that walked to support her mother, Evarista Espinoza, who is currently suffering with the disease.

Gonzales said that it has been sad for her to see first-hand the effects Alzheimer’s disease has had on her mother.

“This is the first time I’ve ever done it and believe me it won’t be the last time,” said Gonzales. “I wish more people would be aware of the symptoms and what it’s really all about.”

Joe Stotts attended the event with his family to walk in memory of his wife Patricia Stotts who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease.

When asked how important he thought it was for these types of charity events to be able to raise awareness for the disease, Stotts said, “Real important because they need to find a cure for it, that’s the main thing.”

One team that stuck out among the others was Rosie’s Redheads that was walking to support Rosemary Lazzerini, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease eight years ago.

Lazzerini’s granddaughter, Kendall Huser, said her favorite part of participating in this event was being able to get together with her family and walk in honor of her grandmother.

“The fact that there’s no cure and that we’re walking to find a cure means everything to us,” said Huser. “People need to be more aware and I’m proud to see the event this year is a lot bigger than last, that means we’re doing what we’re supposed to.”

Development manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Bakersfield office, Amanda Valenzuela, said that this year’s event broke all records by having the most walkers and having raised the most money for the charity since the walk was started back in 2011.

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