The morning of February 16 started off like a normal work day, but then our chapter executive Cindy Alewine got the surprise of her career!
In a surprise ceremony at the State House, Governor Henry McMaster presented Alewine with the state’s highest civilian honor in recognition of her career-spanning commitment to fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
Alewine was nominated for the Order of the Palmetto by board members, staff and other supporters on the occasion of her thirty-year anniversary with the Alzheimer’s Association. Over the course of her career, Alewine has worked on behalf of South Carolinians to accelerate the Association’s research efforts to discover methods of treatment and prevention for Alzheimer's and other dementias — while also maximizing care and support for all facing the disease across the state.
“Through Cindy’s dedicated leadership, the Alzheimer's Association continues to serve South Carolinians who are impacted by Alzheimer's disease or related dementia with compassion, support and hope,” said Lee Pearson, board chair for the SC Chapter. “We have been incredibly fortunate in our state to have Cindy’s guiding hand and big heart driving our mission forward for over thirty years.”
Alewine joined the staff team of the Alzheimer’s Association in August, 1991. She has been instrumental in establishing and safeguarding the Alzheimer's Caregiver Respite Program, a long-running state program that helps family caregivers of those living with dementia in South Carolina maintain their own health and well-being by accessing short-term care assistance. Alewine has shepherded the local nonprofit through challenges posed by mergers, economic downturns and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I must share this honor with the many board members, staff and volunteers who carry out our mission each day,” said Alewine, in response to the award. “I am inspired daily by the courage of individuals living with this disease and their families. The needs are great, and I am committed to working to provide support to these families as we continue to seek a cure, prevention or way to slow this disease.”
Please join us in congratulating Cindy on this achievement!
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.