VALDOSTA — The Alzheimer’s Association of Southwest Georgia will hold its fourth annual Memory Walk at 10 a.m. Saturday at McKey Park.

The Memory Walk is the signature fund-raiser for the Alzheimer’s Association and includes a stroll through the park and adjoining neighborhood, as well as other festivities. A run at Valdosta Middle School was canceled due to the resurfacing of the track.

The walk will begin after a welcome and opening ceremony, during which time the Valdosta Elk’s Lodge will present the Alzheimer’s Association with a check. While registration for the walk is free, donations will be accepted during the event.

In previous years, the association has raised $25,000 and hopes to raise $30,000 this year.

“The walk got started in Valdosta after people expressed interest in gaining access to more resources and raising awareness about Alzheimer’s,” said Alzheimer’s Association Program Director Nancy Goode. “Through the funds raised in the past, we have been able to open a satellite office staffed by volunteers. We provide services free of charge for our caregivers, as well as one-on-one counseling, information kits and workshops and conferences for those who have Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Goode added, “We invite anyone who may not be interested in walking, but may be dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease, to call us. We will be glad to organize a meeting or talk over the phone. We also have three support groups available for anyone who needs help.”

Goode stated that the main goal of the walk is to educate people on Alzheimer’s Disease, which is the sixth leading killer in the United States.

According to an Alzheimer’s Association Web site, the Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. There are walks in more than 600 communities.

To register for the walk, visit www.alz.org and follow the links to the Memory Walk or call (800) 272-3900. Memory Walk participants can also register the day of the walk from 9-10 a.m.