ROYAL OAK, Mich. – More than 5,000 people gathered at the Detroit Zoo on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, demonstrating their commitment to fighting a disease that affects over 200,000 Michigan residents.
The walk has been bringing people together for more than two decades -- creating a space for those living with the disease, their caregivers, and those honoring lost loved ones.
The event, which stands as the world’s largest fundraiser dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research, aimed to raise $850,000 this year, marking a significant increase from last year’s $650,000.
“It is a debilitating disease, it steals memories, it steals people’s abilities to care for themselves, and it’s very hard on caregivers and family members,” said Jennifer Lepard, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter.
For many participants, the walk has become a tradition. Julie Samulson, a dedicated volunteer since 1997, has made the early morning drive from Dexter for the past two decades.
“Seeing all the support and teams and families, it’s been something important,” she said.
Among the thousands walking was Kerrie Hiuser, who participated in memory of her mother, Sandra Bennett, who recently passed away from dementia and Alzheimer’s.
“She just turned 80,” Bennett said. “But my memories of my Mom are all pre-that because that was the mom that I had.”
For those who couldn’t attend Sunday’s event, the Alzheimer’s Association is organizing 20 additional walks across the state, including several in the metro Detroit area.