JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The Alzheimer's Association hosted Strikes to End Alzheimer's on Thursday night. The event was held at Strikers Bowling Alley after the Walk to End Alzheimer's event was canceled in October due to weather. "It's really a time for the community t o come together," Alzheimer's Association Fundraising Senior Manager Laurie Williams said. "This is such a healing journey for people. It's beyond just the fundraising efforts. We want to create a sense of community and really show Jefferson City that we're here and all the good work that we're doing. So we're excited to welcome everyone out tonight to make up for for the walk that we missed." More than 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and that number is projected to grow each year. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 122,000 Missourians who are 65 years old and older are battling the disease. This equates to more than 11% of the 65 and older population in the Show-Me State. The Jefferson City chapter of the Alzheimer's Association hosted the event for the community to help bring awareness to the cause and honor those who are affected by the disease. As of Thursday afternoon, the chapter has raised nearly $72,000 of its goal of $90,000. According to Williams, the money raised is used for a number of things to support an end to Alzheimer's disease and the families who are affected by it. "One of the things that people think of most is our research...we're so close to a cure and treatments and prevent, so that's one portion," Williams said. "But the real big piece, especially for our local communities, is the care and the support that we provide to them." Williams said the organization hosts monthly support groups and there is a free 24/7 hotline available for anyone with questions about the disease, resources or how to handle a situation. "I actually heard a story today about someone who called and she was having some trouble with her husband and and she said the hotline literally saved my life," Williams said. "We she called it, and we were able to deescalate the escalated situation that was happening and and really bring the love back to work to what was going on. So we want to support anyone and everyone in every way that we can. And those funds will allow us to do that in our local communities." The post Strikes to End Alzheimer’s held Thursday night in Jefferson City appeared first on ABC17NEWS. ...read more read less