FRANKLIN—Updated statistics show that every 72 seconds, a person in America develops Alzheimer’s disease.

It is also estimated that there are now more than 5 million people in the country living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

This month will kick off the beginning of 10 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walks in the Southeastern Virginia Chapter, culminating events during a year of fund-raisers to benefit the organization.

The Franklin branch’s event gets under way, rain or shine, Sept. 22 at Barrett’s Landing. The day begins with registration from noon to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided for walkers, and there will be free space available for vendors.

The 1-mile walk will begin at 2 p.m., and will be led by Honorary Chairperson Linda D. Simmons of Courtland, who will walk in memory of her father, Thomas Daughtrey Sr., who died June 23.

Daughtrey was a member of Sedley Baptist Church, Sedley Hunt Club and the Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Department.

He served in the Merchant Marines, in the National Guard and for two terms on the Southampton County Board of Supervisors.

The day of the walk, the Blessing of the Animals Ceremony will start at 3 p.m., with the Remembrance Ceremony beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Tree of Hope Ceremony will follow at 4 p.m.

&uot;Door prize and auction item winners will be announced at 4:30,&uot; said Susan Story, Education and Family Services coordinator and branch manager. &uot;Tickets will be available for the silent auction items.&uot;

A basket of various items will also be raffled. Tickets may be acquired for a $1 donation. A pack of 10 note cards, depicting Daughtrey fishing with his grandson, will also be on sale for a donation of $10.

For more information about a vendor space or the walk, call the Franklin branch at 115 Bogart St., at 569-1650.