Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect everybody they come in contact with and Jaclyn Bird, financial adviser for Edward Jones in Austin, is no different.

She has a grandfather with dementia and “now it’s becoming really personal,” Bird said.

For a number of years, Edward Jones as a company has taken part in the Walk to End Alzheimers and Bird is taking an active part as team leader for a team in Albert Lea’s walk on Saturday, Sept. 13.

“We’re just trying to get the word out,” Bird said. “Join a team, create a team or donate.”

Bird’s Edward Jones branch has been taking part in Albert Lea’s walk for a couple of years now.

It’s important because in a number of ways, Alzheimers can affect a family’s life and the future.

Suddenly, a person’s future is suddenly reversed or in doubt. Finances can become strained or a retirement fund can be put in jeopardy. As financial advisers, this situation becomes especially important.

“We had chosen this walk because Edward Jones’ client base is a diverse age,” Bird said. “We see it often — people who are affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

Bird said there are plenty of ways people can help, either by taking part in a walk or through donation.

Albert Lea’s goal is $48,000 and as of Thursday the walk was just over halfway to the goal, at $27,819.

Registration for the walk is 9 a.m. on Sept. 14. A ceremony will start at 10 a.m. with the walk starting at 10:20 a.m.

The walk will take place at Frank Hall Park, 712 Frank Ave., Albert Lea.

For more information visit www.alz.org/walk or to donate to Bird’s team visit: https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2019/MN-Minnesota-NorthDakota?team_id=559227&pg=team&fr_id=12642