A Putnam County woman is making a commitment to spread awareness of a disease that took her father's life by hiking through the hills of Italy.

Karen Ganis traveled from her home in Mahopac to Palermo, Italy, where she's embarking on an eight-day, 115-mile trek to Agrigento.

The group of 15 that are taking the journey around the world shares one mission - to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease. Ganis is tracking steps for her father who lost his battle 20 years ago.

“I think he'd be really proud, and I think it would be important for him to know we're working hard to do what we can to raise awareness,” she says.

Ganis and her group of advocates are challenging themselves physically and emotionally in memory of those who have fought the incurable fight.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 5 million Americans are living with the disease. Around 400,000 are New Yorkers. Worldwide, approximately 44 million people have Alzheimer's or a form of dementia.

Ganis is documenting her Italian adventure on Facebook. She is expected to return to the Hudson Valley next week.