COEUR d’ALENE — With hearts of gold, hundreds let their purple fly during the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

More than 400 people joined the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at McEuen Park on Sunday morning. The event raises money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research and support in North Idaho.

Joel Loiacono, regional director for the North Idaho and Eastern Washington chapter of the Alzheimer’s association was grateful for the turnout this year. He said their goal of $60,000 from last year’s walk was met and exceeded. He is hopeful they will do the same this event with a goal of $70,000.

“Half of the funds we raise here are used for local programs and services here in northern Idaho,” Loiacono said. “The other half are used for research, as Alzheimer’s Association is the largest private research funder in the world.”

Loiacono said there are 5.3 million people in America with Alzheimer’s. He said the research is vital to keep those numbers form tripling in the next 40 years.

The support aspect is also important to many who are suffering from the disease and the people caring for them.

“You feel pretty isolated sometimes when you are going through this whole process of watching someone you love dying from Alzheimer’s,” said Kristin Gorringe of Coeur d’Alene. “There’s a certain level of comfort seeing you aren’t the only one going through this.”

Gorringe is the principal at Bryan Elementary. For the walk she joined Team Denny, which was named in honor of her father who has Alzheimer’s.

Heather Montee, who works with Gorringe at Bryan, wanted to show her support by creating the team.

Montee said they placed donation jars at the school to raise funds for the team.

She said it touched her heart to see students donating and being active in the cause.

“A second grade boy brought in $1 to donate,” Montee said. “He said his mom gave it to him for cookies but he wanted to donate it instead.”

Loiacono said every penny helps the cause. He said he also hopes more people will become active with advocacy in legislation to help with the fight against Alzheimer’s.

If you or a family member is struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia contact the local Alheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alzwa.org for more information.