Returning to photograph the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the Coachella Valley is one of my favorite assignments—not only because of the energy and excitement it brings, but also because it was one of the first volunteer events I participated in during high school. The efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association are truly remarkable and set the tone for these events across the nation. What sets our walk apart is our beautiful, natural desert landscape—and the way the color purple seems to glow even brighter against it.

Candid moments, the landscape, the vendors, and the people who have been affected in one way or another all help curate the narrative of this event. One of the most powerful sights is always the Promise Garden: the sea of colorful flowers held high, each one honoring a story—some of hope, some of memory, some of heartbreak. Watching hundreds of hands lift those flowers into the sky is a reminder of why this walk matters. While it is heartbreaking to live with or lose someone affected by Alzheimer’s, the collective march toward a future without it brings an energy that makes this event unforgettable.

Continuing to work with the Alzheimer’s Association in our desert home is a gift, and I look forward to helping showcase the impact of their efforts—one purple moment at a time.