Bob Lempp of Cary, his son-in-law Brady Tillerson of Holly Springs, and three other family members will be walking 50 miles on Saturday, Feb. 9, to raise funds to help families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

They will be participating in the Kennedy 50-Mile Walk as a tribute to Lempp’s father, Arthur, who passed away in December after a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s. The annual endurance event takes participants along the East Coast Greenway from Potomac, Md., to Harpers Ferry, W.V.

Lempp, Tillerson and Lempp’s brothers, Ken, John and Andrew, are undertaking the walk to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to support programs and services which help families living with Alzheimer’s disease.

“We are incredibly inspired by the Lempp family’s efforts and generosity.  Making a difference for other families affected by Alzheimer’s disease is a moving and lasting tribute to their loved one,” said Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

The Kennedy 50-Mile Walk is an annual reprise of an endurance feat accomplished by Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy in February 1963. At the time, his brother, President John F. Kennedy,  challenged the U.S. military to a 50-mile march to emphasize physical fitness’ importance.  President Kennedy made it known that his White House staff should lead by example. His brother was among the first to take up the challenge, walking nearly 18 hours in 20-degree weather.

The Lempp family has already raised more than $2,800 for the foundation, and donations are still being accepted on their Facebook fundraising page.