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On Saturday, October 10 in Crapo Park, Burlington, IA, the Women of Steel (WOS) from United Steelworkers (USW) Local 444 team in Keokuk, along with 200 other participants, walked to raise money and awareness of the disease. Braving early morning temperatures in the 30s, organizers were confident participants would reach their goal to help raise $50,000.

The women from Local 444 team added a bit of fun and humor to the event by wheeling their top earning member, Carol Picton, around in a wagon while she wore a crown and held a wand. Even better, she gets a paid day off from work. Together the team raised just over $2,400 for the walk.

"My grandmother had it (Alzheimer's). She did OK with it, but it was very difficult for my grandfather. He ended up having to put her in a home because she could not care for herself," Picton said.

It was a common story for many of those in attendance, including the ladies of Local 444. Team member Sharon Seay has a grandmother who was recently diagnosed, and her grandfather is showing symptoms as well.

"It touches all of us. We all know someone present or past who has it," she said.

Over 65,000 Iowans are affected by Alzheimer's.