Thousands joined together Saturday morning to raise money and awareness at the 2011 Miami-Dade Walk To End Alzheimer's.

Over 3,000 walkers arrived bright and early at Merrick Park in Coral Gables to show their support and raise funds to find a cure.

The event is focused on providing help to families dealing with the disease.

Olga Torres, who just lost her mother to Alzheimer's a week ago said, "It's really scary to tell you the truth. It's been incredible talking to people who are going through the same thing."

Local 10 anchor Jason Martinez emceed the event and shared his own personal story about losing his grandfather to the disease.

"He went for a walk we never found him again," Martinez remembered. "There was a ten day search for him. They found his body in the snow."

Everyone at the walk had a story to share, and no matter how the story ended, the goal Saturday was to unite.

Along with the fellowship, there was also education. A special fair was held for participants that offered information about clinical trails and research.

The goal was to raise $300,000, all of which will stay right here in South Florida to help families coping with Alzheimer's disease.