 A walks to end Alzheimer's are happening all over the country, but one 11-year-old has set out to make a difference in the Brainerd Lakes area. Sarah Winkleman has the story. While most 11-year-olds are occupied playing video games, Ella Puss has been busy raising over $7,500 for the Alzheimer's Association. My great-grandma was like my best friend. I don't want it to happen to any other people. Ella is raising money and participating in the walk in honor of her great-grandma, Tiny. My mother inspired her. They got along really good. Right before my mother died, they were like best friends. They would take care of each other, comb each other's hair, put on fingernail polish. It was like they were the same age. One time, she almost bit off my finger. Ella shared some favorite stories of her great-grandma during the opening ceremony. Little Ella being so dedicated just makes us feel good. She has a community in mind, not just a selfish little girl. Team Tiny joined 400 other walkers for the walk to end Alzheimer's in Baxter. There is incredible support here in the Brainerd Lakes area, and it's exciting to see the growth of this event and to build awareness of Alzheimer's disease in all the menches in this community. During the walk, participants carry a flower to demonstrate how Alzheimer's has affected their lives. They can look around and see other people and know that they are not alone in dealing with this. All of the colors on the flowers represent something different, like the purple one that represents someone who's lost a loved one to Alzheimer's. With 92,000 people diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the state of Minnesota, the idea of tackling the disease head-on seems overwhelming, but not impossible. Ella is proof that big change can come in small packages. It's the future and people are fighting to make a difference, so hopefully someday our children and children's children won't have to deal with this disease, it's very inspirational. The money raised will help with programs, services and research efforts to one day end the disease. Reporting in Baxter, Sarah Winckelman, Lakeland News. The Alzheimer's Association is still accepting donations for the Baxter Walk, but as of now has raised nearly $90,000. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.