Eugenia Zukerman and Dick Novik
2024 Rita Hayworth Award Honorees
The Alzheimer’s Association is thrilled to honor Eugenia Zukerman and Dick Novik with the 2024 Rita Hayworth Award.
Eugenia Zukerman is a world-renowned flutist, having performed with major orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic. Additionally, fans of CBS News “Sunday Morning” remember her as the show’s arts correspondent for more than 25 years. Eugenia’s third act has seen her tackle her Alzheimer’s diagnosis with clarity, humor, and dignity. Eugenia shared her diagnosis publicly by writing a book of poems, “like falling through a cloud,” describing her experience as a way to explain to those not living with the disease what it feels like to go through this process. In doing so, she has given countless others the immeasurable gift of not feeling alone.
Dick Novik has had a long and distinguished career, most notably at the New York State Broadcasters Association. Following Eugenia’s diagnosis, his role shifted to care partner. Together with Eugenia, he has been determined not to let her diagnosis stop her from doing the things she loves. Dick continues to raise awareness about what it is like to be a care partner to someone living with this disease, a role so many people in this country have to take on in many different ways.
Eugenia and Dick have become outspoken champions for our cause. They have shared her story broadly to raise awareness for the disease and the services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, published several articles, and advocated on behalf of those living with Alzheimer’s disease in Albany and in Washington, D.C. Eugenia and Dick are Alzheimer’s Association Ambassadors to their Congressman and proud supporters of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM).
Eugenia often says that life doesn’t stop the day you are diagnosed. The key is to continue living life to the fullest, as best you can and for as long as you can.