Local Hero Honored at National Conference

March 28, 2008

Local Hero Honored at National Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2007

Cynthia Ducker, Alabama Chapter, Arthritis Foundation was awarded the National “Heart of the Mission Award” at the recent national Arthritis Foundation Volunteer and Staff conference.

The Arthritis Foundation named Cynthia Criswell Ducker (Cindy) of Prattville, the recipient of the Heart of the Mission Award at the recent National Arthritis Foundation Volunteer and Staff Conference.   This prestigious award is presented to a volunteer who has shown exemplary dedication and spirit to the Arthritis Foundation. Cindy is honored for her outstanding leadership and unfaltering resolve to champion the foundation and ultimately cure arthritis. Cindy was selected among volunteers from 46 other chapters throughout the nation.

Cindy, who herself has had Rheumatoid Arthritis for most of her life plays a significant role as a volunteer for the Alabama chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, serving as Mission Delivery Chair at special events throughout the state, and always looking for creative ways to tell the Mission to the public.   But Cindy is never far from the “action” as she also serves as the State Advocacy Chair.   Her recent accomplishments included tripling the size of the advocacy supporters throughout the state, and even made a “clean sweep” by getting all of the State legislators to sign on as co-sponsors of the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act.

The Heart of the Mission award is presented to the development volunteer who, through a fundraising event, has improved the lives of others through their unfaltering dedication to the mission of the Arthritis Foundation.   Cindy works tirelessly to provide mission delivery at each of her chapter’s Arthritis Walks, the Jingle Bell Run, JA day camp, and Annual Campaign events.   She is always found being extremely creative and innovative in recruiting people with arthritis to become more involved.   From creating custom designed posters and displays, to eye catching buttons, she is always drawing people into the Arthritis Foundation family.   She is passionate about advocacy, serving as her chapter’s statewide Advocacy chair.   She recently designed a “clean sweep” button to give out at chapter events.   The “clean sweep” pin uses a tiny broom and American flag to symbolize that all of her state’s Senators and Representatives have co-sponsored the Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure Act…one of only two states in the nation with that important distinction….undoubtedly due to her persistence and hard work.

Congratulations, Cindy!