Susie Burgess, an Edward Jones branch office administrator in Hartselle is taking part in a historic event – a transcontinental walk across America to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

Burgess said her numerous clients and personal friends who have suffered with the disease and that she wanted to participate because of seeing how many people it affects.

“We generally have a close relationship with most of our clients so it’s like having a friend suffering … I believe it is one of the cruelest diseases a person and their family can deal with,” Burgess said. “One of the saddest examples I have personally is of a client who was one of those who had become like family. He would come in and just sit and talk to me when he was bored or lonely, or sometimes when he just wanted some fun arguing. When his mind started going, he knew it. It was heartbreaking for me to watch this strong man realize that his previously very sharp mind was deteriorating. He passed away about 5 or 6 years ago but I still remember the look on his face one day as he was struggling to communicate with me and I realized what he already knew.”

Burgess added that she recruited her brother Gary to walk with her on the North Alabama leg of the walk that will begin Oct. 1 in Laceys Spring and go to Decatur. “As far as my brother, he enjoys very much being involved in good causes and supports various groups and activities in and around Hartselle, including Shining Stars,” she said. “He also has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for about 2 years now and really enjoys participating in the construction of the homes. I told him about this walk and he didn’t hesitate to agree to walk with me.”

Edward Jones launched the Walk Across America, a one-time, 16-week relay-style walk across 12 states, to raise awareness about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease.

In teams of eight, more than 1,000 Edward Jones financial advisors and branch office administrators will complete the 3,100-mile journey relay-style. The teams will traverse cities, towns and open country and cross the desert, plains, river valleys and rolling hills, taking at least 5.7 million steps across America – one step for every person in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s disease.

The cross-country walk will culminate in St. Louis, Mo. Oct. 28 as the final team crosses the stage at Enterprise Center during this year’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraising event. Each team will carry a hand-carved walking stick harvested from the farm of Ted Jones, son of the firm’s founder, Edward Jones Sr.