In celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, the staff team of the Alzheimer's Association South Carolina Chapter would like to thank each of you who have moved our mission forward as volunteers.
We are incredibly fortunate to have volunteer partners across the Palmetto State who have chosen to give their time and energy helping those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia. In partnership with our staff, you have expanded our reach and deepened our impact in local communities, raising awareness and funds, raising your voices and raising spirits of individuals who've connected with care and support resources.
Volunteers are truly at the heart of our organization, and there are
opportunities available to meet just about any interest. We strive to make volunteering with the Association rewarding, enjoyable and impactful.
Below, you'll see spotlights on just a few our our valued volunteers who are making an impact in our communities. But there are so many more who have also answered the call to serve. Please know that we are thankful for each and every person who volunteers their time. We look forward to another year of working alongside you!
Cleopatra Allen is a rock star volunteer in the Rock Hill area. She secures tables at senior fairs, has brought in numerous new Walk to End Alzheimer's committee members and teams, and is constantly looking for grants, sponsors, and other avenues to move the mission forward. In 2023, Cleo was an Elite Walk Champion with one of our Walk National Teams, AARP, raising over $3000 — and she is well on her way to exceed that amount in 2024! She has also traveled to the SC State House for many years to advocate on behalf of her own family and share her personal story. "Alzheimer's gradually dimmed the light in my grandmother Smiley's beautiful eyes," Cleo shared. "I raise funds to provide resources for individuals and family members living with Alzheimer's, and to fight and eventually defeat this insidious disease."
Care & Support volunteers are absolutely vital to expanding our reach and deepening our impact in local communities. Kathy Marzec is a key volunteer in the Spartanburg area, presenting education programs and leading support groups in partnership with local libraries.
"Having lost too many family members to this devastating disease, volunteering is a way to help people who are on this journey with their loved one. No one should go it alone," Kathy shared. "As a community educator and support group facilitator, if even one person feels helped or not alone, I’ve done 'my job'. "
Missy Callahan of Lexington is a powerful advocacy volunteer, a Grand Champion fundraiser and an important voice for those living with dementia. Diagnosed with Younger Onset Alzheimer's at just 45 years old, Missy is passionate about educating the public and medical community about this disease and her journey over the last 6 years. She shares her story with incredible honesty as she's "learning lessons and finding blessings." We are so thankful for Missy's shining light and giving heart.
Tyler Manion, a news anchor at WTOC, was the master of ceremonies at last year's Walk to End Alzheimer's in Bluffton. He has only ramped up his involvement since then as the Executive Event Chair for 2024, bringing tremendous positivity and professionalism to our work. Tyler is such a vocal supporter because this cause hits home for him: "Since my mom's early onset diagnosis a few years ago, volunteering for the Alzheimer's Association has been the best coping mechanism I can imagine. With our help, she and all the other people fighting this disease have more hope to beat it. Let's keep up the great work!"
Sally Langer is a volunteer extraordinaire who wears many hats, including Community Educator, Support Group Facilitator & Office Volunteer! She is a huge help to our Midlands office, and she is always responsive to requests for educational programs. "As a retired speech pathologist, volunteering at the Alzheimer's Association is a perfect match for me," Sally shared. "As a volunteer community educator, I like presenting information to many different churches, senior centers, groups, and caregivers/family members. I also take pride in facilitating support groups in this region."
Sally enjoys helping new volunteers, and she has been instrumental in gathering people together to create a sense of team spirit. So if you are interested in getting involved, join us for a Volunteer Info Lunch in Columbia this Saturday, 4/27, 11AM - 1PM! (RSVP to Debbie at deschneider@alz.org or 843-492-0472 to learn more.)
Sharon Rodgers is an instrumental part of our Walk to End Alzheimer's in Aiken. Her community connections, rallying spirit and personal passion for the cause have brought many new supporters to the cause! “I volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association for many reasons," Sharon shared. "So many friends and relatives have been diagnosed with this devastating condition. My primary reason is my beautiful grandmother who died because of this horrible disease and my lovely mother who now is a resident of a Charleston memory care facility. My memories of her raising five children, playing her piano and singing, working in her yard, and enjoying her time with her grandchildren are tarnished with the reality of her life now. Now, it’s her safety and care that is our focus. I sit and watch the spark fade from her eyes. What a cruel disease!! We must find an effective treatment and cure."
It takes a special person to bike 255 miles across state in the July heat for Ride to End ALZ South Carolina. Laura Hodges has not only done that for an impressive 8 years and counting, she also volunteers at events, secures donations of supplies for the Ride, and is consistently a top fundraiser. She does all of to honor and remember her mother, Shirley Hodges, who passed away last year after a long battle with Alzheimer's. We love this photo of Laura, because she's holding her mom's photo aloft as she nears the finish line at last year's Ride. Thank you, Laura, for sharing your heart and giving your time, sweat and countless calories to the fight to #ENDALZ!
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.