"It really helps for everybody to see that they're not alone. Â This fight, this disease, it really takes it out of a family, because they're caring for their loved ones and they just feel like no one understands and no one cares. Â Well, when you see 400 people in a room for the same cause, then it kind of comes to you that you're not alone," said Daniel Lee, a board member of Northwest Ohio Alzheimer's Association.
The Walk to End Alzheimer's took over OSUÂ Lima's walkways to send a message - that Alzheimer's is a disease that is very real, and needs all the attention it can get.
"It's a disease that's underfunded by our government, it's starting to get traction, so we're excited about that, but every dollar counts to end this disease, and it's a disease that does not have a cure," Lee said.
Many people walking held flowers, each color representing something different: "Orange flowers are for the people that are supporting the caregivers, blue flowers are the people that have a close connection to the disease, the yellow flowers are the caregivers, the purple flowers are for the people who have lost somebody to Alzheimer's or to dementia," said Lee.
The Walk to End Alzheimer's wasn't the only walk in Lima on Saturday; the Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis Walk was in Ottawa Metro Park.
"It's so important because the research that is done to try to improve the life cystic fibrosis patients, provide monies for research, to improve the treatment, to increase the longevity of people who are suffering from it, that's why these walks are important," said Mary Elquist-Lane, a participant in the Great Strides Walk.
Elmquist-Lane lost her son to cystic fibrosis, and now she's just trying to help in any way she can.
"There were so many people along the way that helped him and gave and sacrificed. Â I just want to pay back, I want to help the people that are still living with it and help them love longer, more productive lives," said Elmquist-Lane.
All of the money made at the Great Strides Walk as well as the Walk to End Alzheimer's will go to research into treatment and the cure for their respective diseases.
