HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts-New Hampshire Chapter is fighting the disease at the Pioneer Valley Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sunday. 3rd Annual ‘Magic for Maddie’ Fun Walk & Carnival The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support, and research. It's held in 600 communities nationwide, including at Holyoke Community College. Sunday's walk will begin after the Promise Garden Ceremony at 10 a.m. The ceremony will begin at 9:45 a.m. and honor those affected by Alzheimer's and signify solidarity in the fight against it. Every 67 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer's, and it is estimated that nearly 500,000 new cases of Alzheimer's disease will be diagnosed this year. Fundraisers like this help fight for a different future, for more time, and treatments. The Pioneer Valley Walk includes several new elements this year, including a tribute wall, a Q&A, a pet area, and face painting. "Every penny that we raise for the walk goes into the local community here in the Pioneer Valley," said Pioneer Valley Walk to End Alzheimer's Co-Chair Julie Rivers. "Not only does it help towards research for a cure, it also helps the families who are facing dementia." Mass Appeal co-host Patrick Berry was grateful to emcee this year's walk, and said Sunday's turnout of over 1000 people was beautiful to see. "That just shows you the importance of Alzheimer's, and how many people are supporting those who are battling it, those who have passed from it, and those who need the help and support of research in the future," said Berry. Families navigating the challenges that come with dementia hope events like this bring them one step closure to finding a cure. "My mom's kind of in the middle stages so I wanna, you know, raise awareness and raise some funds to maybe end this terrible disease and maybe in her lifetime," said walker Tony Pouliot of Springfield. If you or a loved one is battling Alzheimer's there is support. The Alzheimer's Association offers a 24/7 help line and other resources. "Don't think that you're alone in this," added Barry. "There are a million people behind you. It's events like this that help support you and your family members in your battle." Local News Headlines Two pedestrians injured after hit-and-run in Greenfield, one arrested One injured after rollover crash on Liberty Street in Springfield Driver arrested after crashing into Westover Air Force Base gate following chase Springfield Police seek public’s help locating missing 16-year-old WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.