Each year thousands of men, women and children lace up their shoes and gather up pledges to participate in Memory Walk, the nation's no. 1 fund-raising event for Alzheimer's disease education, care and support services.

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk supports programs for those with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers. The Coos County Memory Walk 2006 will help people battling Alzheimer's disease.

On-site registration for the Oregon Chapter fourth annual Coos County Memory Walk will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24 at Pony Village Mall, 1611 Virginia, Ave., North Bend, with the walk, which is being held at the mall, beginning at 2 p.m.

Alzheimer's disease affects more than 4.5 million Americans of every race, gender and culture with costs nationally of more than $100 billion a year. Unless slowed, as many as 16 million Americans could have the disease by 2050.

Those interested in participating are urged to ask neighbors, friends, co-workers and family to sponsor them by making donations to the Alzheimer's Association, and or joining in the walk.

There is no registration fee, but a $25 suggested minimum donation would be appreciated, say organizers.

Walkers who raise $75 or more receive a 2006 Memory Walk T-shirt. Grand prize will be two round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines to the top fund-raising team statewide (excluding Portland).

All walkers must register and sign an insurance waiver by following these steps: Go to mw06.kintera.org/CoosCountyOR; click the “Register Here” left orange button; and follow the instructions to complete registration.

For more information and registration, those interested can call (541) 345-8392 or go to mw06.kintera.org/CoosCountyOR or www.alzheimers-oregon.org.