AUSTIN, Texas -- Austin families dressed in purple and walked to raise awareness about Alzheimer's Saturday morning.

• Walk held across the country in more than 600 cities
• Approximately 5.7 million Americans are living with the disease
• About 150,000 Central Texans are caring for someone with Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association Walk was held all across the country in more than 600 cities and collectively is the largest event to raise money for Alzheimer's research.

Walkers held different color flowers, which represent their connection to the disease; whether they have it themselves, lost someone to it, or support the cause. Approximately 5.7 million Americans are living with the disease. The money raised through the walk funds research, but also goes to caregivers. About 150,000 Central Texans are caring for someone with Alzheimer's.

"To find a cure for this disease is particularly important because there really is no cure. A diagnosis is a death sentence. We have not found any new medication to control the symptoms of the disease in over 50 years, so that is why the more we raise to fund research the better. We are now up to $2.3 billion that has been raised for research at the NIH and then we raise money for care and support because people who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, they also  go through a lot,” said Delia Jervier.

The Capital of Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association hopes to raise $250,000. If you would like to donate, visit the organization’s website.