CHARLESTON --  Rainy weather wasn't enough to dampen the *enthusiasm* of the 16th Annual Memory Walk at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston The event is a major fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association's West Virginia Chapter. Organizers said the goal is to raise awareness of the devastating effects of the disease and the need for funding research. 550 people walked a two mile course throughout downtown Charleston, including Mary Pletka of Elkview who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

"It's great. It hits home, at least it does for me. I hope it is for all of them too, and I hope the community when we start walking realizes and sees what were doing for this,' said Pletka. Money raised will help provide free services to individuals and families dealing with the disease. Last year the event drew in more than $100,000 dollars.