by Kiara Velez
Anne Burris recently completed a 500-mile journey through the extraordinary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, changing her grief into passion to raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.
From April 1 to June 8, 2025, Burris hiked from France to the coast of Spain in honor of her mother, Ada, who lived with dementia before passing away in 2017.
For this Jacksonville resident and avid hiker, every step she takes is a tribute to her mom–and a step closer to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Burris’ hike is part of The Longest Day initiative, which raises funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Being her mom’s sole caregiver for nearly a decade, Burris experienced firsthand the emotional and physical toll that many family members and loved ones can relate to with Alzheimer’s care.
Hiking became Burris’ refuge, a way to channel grief into purpose, using her newfound passion to fuel the fight towards a cure.
A Pilgrimage with Purpose
The Camino de Santiago is a historic route that has been traveled by people for centuries, and had long been on Burris’ bucket list with the goal of raising money for Alzheimer’s.
“This pilgrimage has been on my list for a while, but to fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Association while doing what I love is incredibly meaningful,” Burris said.
In 2019, Burris hiked over 500 miles through Scotland and the Hebrides, raising critical funds for Alzheimer’s research.
This year’s trek proved just as impactful for Burris, it tested her resilience as she crossed varying terrains over a length of 70 days–from the plains of the Meseta to the ancient streets of Santiago de Compostela.
Burris shared how she tackled the hike by focusing on small, daily goals rather than the entire journey, by writing daily journals and reflections.
“It’s the ability to achieve a goal each day that gives me hope when I’m hiking,” Burris said. “Focusing on a large goal can be demoralizing, but breaking it into smaller steps makes it achievable.”
Throughout her travels, Burris shared photos and attached excerpts of her journal, providing an insight into her thoughts.
On May 25, standing in Arúza, Spain holding a purple Alzheimer’s Association flag–just days from completing her trek, Burris reflected on what achieving her goals meant.
“It’s with mixed feelings that I realize in two days I’ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela. Even with 100 miles left, reaching this point shows what’s possible when you break seemingly accomplishable goals into smaller bits.”
Burris’ love for hiking stems from a place that a lot of caregivers can relate to, a place of overwhelming stress or grief, but that Burris instead turns into a way to give back.
“As an individual, I can’t solve big issues associated with Alzheimer’s, but I can ask for donations to support research and caregiver resources,” Burris said. “The Alzheimer’s Association can coordinate efforts to make a bigger impact–and it gives me hope we’ll find a cure.”
Burris is an uplifting example of turning grief into a powerful message, that every small step counts towards climbing even the biggest looking of goals.
“I did cry when I first saw the cathedral over the last hill,” said Burris, reflecting on making it to the final stretch of her journey.
“Arriving in Santiago was so emotional that now it is hard to keep motivated, but all I have to remember is to put one foot in front of the other and I will make it,” she said. “I walk to help raise money for a cure for those going through this process now or in the future.”
For more information on The Longest Day, visit alz.org/TLD or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
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