A walk to raise money and bring awareness about Alzheimer’s disease is coming up next month in the Hudson Valley.

News 12’s Lisa LaRocca knows firsthand was it’s like to care for a loved one suffering from the disease.

LaRocca says she and her husband cared for her mother for around 16 years after her diagnosis.

“It takes a tremendous toll on the person, as well as the family,” LaRocca says.

Former New York Rangers player Tom Laidlaw has dealt with his father having dementia later in life.

He is also getting involved with the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which is starting at Westchester Community College on Oct. 3. The event is one of five walks to end Alzheimer’s throughout October.

“It’s a great cause to raise money and awareness,” Laidlaw says. “But it’s also to have a fun day to celebrate the people that we lost.”

The Alzheimer’s Association says more than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, with more than 11 million Americans providing unpaid care for loved ones.

David Sobel, director of the Hudson Valley chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says they provide free programs and services for people suffering from the disease while also raising funds for Alzheimer’s and dementia research.

The Gov. Mario Cuomo Bridge will also be lit in purple Saturday to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s.

There will be a bridge watching party at Horan’s Landing in Sleepy Hollow with music, food and more.

“It’s a great cause to raise money and awareness,” Laidlaw says. “But it’s also to have a fun day to celebrate the people that we lost.”

The Gov. Mario Cuomo Bridge will also be lit in purple Saturday to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s.