Sometimes being able to see something makes all the difference.

Different forms of cancer and other incurable diseases kill thousands each year, with victims’ pain seen as they become shells of their former selves, significantly weakened and eventually in need of round-the-clock assistance.

Visions of victims struggling to make it through these ailments have tugged at the hearts of millions worldwide through the years, prompting donors to pump loads of money supporting organizations doing their part to help find a cure.

However, everything that glitters isn’t gold, and looks can be deceiving.

Take Alzheimer’s Disease, a progressive and fatal brain ailment that destroys brain cells, causes memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies and social life to those looking normal otherwise.

Just like cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease has affected many American families, with approximately 5.3 million currently living with the ailment. The brain disorder has also become the nation’s seventh-leading cause of death.

Despite these facts, some believe fundraising efforts have been slowed due to the disease getting lost in the shuffle.

“I think fundraising efforts are affected because Alzheimer’s is such a different type of disease,” said Magnolias of Gaffney Executive Director Bonita Wise. “A lot of people can’t recognize it like other diseases.”

At a time when many fundraising campaigns are winding up, the Alzheimer’s Association is getting prepared for its signature event, the annual Memory Walk. In addition to trying to find a cure, money raised helps in acquiring resources for those caring for family members in their homes and other respite programs.

“All money raised goes to not only help find a cure but give help to families,” Wise said. “Families need to know what things to look for, certain behaviors someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will tend to do.”

Each year the Memory Walk has grown locally, with donors contributing $15,000 last year in an effort to find a cure for the disease.

Wise hopes this year will be just as successful.

“We just want to beat last year’s total,” Wise said. “People were so willing to give last year when we were able to raise $15,000; if we could top that, I think we would be doing good.”

This year’s event will take place Saturday, Oct. 3. Those participating are encouraged to arrive at 9 a.m. to register.

Festivities officially begin at 10 a.m. For more information, call (864) 206-0006.