Hundreds take part in annual Alzheimer's walk

Walk to End Alzheimer's co-chair Carol Benna, right, reads the name of a prize winner after Mai-Lin Clardy, 4, picked the name from a box. At left are her parents, Mika and John Clardy. In the background is the other event co-chair, Reg Turnbull.
Walk to End Alzheimer's co-chair Carol Benna, right, reads the name of a prize winner after Mai-Lin Clardy, 4, picked the name from a box. At left are her parents, Mika and John Clardy. In the background is the other event co-chair, Reg Turnbull.

Olivia Bahr, 10, had a motivation similar to many the other 350 or so people who showed up at the Missouri Capitol on Sunday for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's: A personal connection.

Olivia's great grandfather has been stricken with the disease, known primarily for its ravaging effect on memory but which also is the nation's sixth-leading cause of death.

"I know the effect it has on families," she said. The California girl formed a five-member team and raised $145 for the walk.