In an effort to help boost awareness and raise money for Alzheimer’s research, the Teetersville Baptist Church youth group will host a “Walk for Memory” this Saturday.

“Our youth has participated in it the last two years. This year, Harlan County didn’t have a walk, and we wanted to keep it going,” said event coordinator Jennifer Farmer.

Farmer said it is very important to help people to better understand Alzheimer’s.

“There are so many early symptoms that people are not aware of,” she said. “If people are aware of the stages and signs of Alzheimer’s, treatment can be sought earlier. It is amazing how many people are affected.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association Web site, Alzheimer’s is a progressive and fatal brain disease. As many as five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal — today, it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Farmer said the children in the youth group are excited about the event.

“They are looking forward to the walk, and it really makes them aware of this issue,” Farmer said.

The “Walk for Memory” is a third-party fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is being sponsored by the Teetersville Baptist Church youth group and will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Huff Park.

Water and fruit will be available to participants and prizes will be given away.

There will be special gospel singing throughout the event, including Paige Lunsford, Seth Carmical, Tammy Chapman, Mary Blanton, the Teetersville Baptist Youth Group and several others. Lt. Col. Jon Luttrell is also scheduled to speak at the event.

Anyone interested in donating to the cause should send a check to TBC Youth Group Alz. Fundraiser, c/o Jennifer Farmer, P.O. Box 446, Harlan, Ky. 40831. All money collected will be forwarded to the Alzheimer’s Association.

For more information, call Farmer at 573-7674.

Farmer added that she would like to invite everyone to attend the event.

“You don’t even have to walk,” she said. “Just come and enjoy the music and the fellowship.”