More than 1,000 area residents participated in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fayetteville in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease at Segra Stadium. The event, presented by McKee Homes, raised $166,000 so far to fund research, reduce risk, increase early detection, and provide quality care and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. The community hopes to raise $200,000 by the end of the year.

Belton’s Septic Tank Service is the current top fundraising team for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising $14,119. The other top fundraising teams currently include Lou Bell’s Legacy ($14,054) and Fayetteville Woodpeckers ($6,532). 

The Association is keeping up the momentum and continuing to raise critical funds and awareness with a goal to raise $200,000 by the end of the year. Walk Day may have passed, but donations are still being accepted through Dec. 31 at act.alz.org/Fayetteville.

“We are deeply grateful to all the dedicated Walk participants, volunteers and sponsors who made the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Cumberland County a tremendous success,” said Christine John-Fuller, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association - Eastern North Carolina Chapter in a press release. “The funds raised will help continue to advance disease research, while also providing critical care and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”

On Walk day, participants honored those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony,  a mission-focused experience that signifies their solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s their personal reasons to end the disease.

The day included fun, all-ages entertainment, and family-friendly music. Greg Funderburg, weekend evening anchor and weekday reporter for CBS-17, emceed the event. He lost a dear mentor to dementia and is an advocate for the cause. 

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, nearly 12 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In North Carolina alone, there are more than 210,000 people living with the disease and 381,000 caregivers. Cumberland County has an Alzheimer's prevalence rate of 13.7% in its age 65 and older population.