For Cindy Thompson of Wake Forest, becoming a Dementia Alliance of North Carolina (DANC) Ambassador wasn’t about a distant cause.
It was about the people she knew and cared for. Watching clients and friends navigate dementia and caregiving journeys, she saw firsthand how much they needed support and resources. When Cindy looked for ways to help, one organization stood out. “DANC is the best centralized collection of resources,” she says. “I knew there would be no better organization to be involved with.”
That’s what keeps her going as an ambassador today, knowing that with DANC, she can connect the people in her life to exactly what they need.
Being an ambassador also means showing up.
Cindy’s always ready to staff community events where DANC has a presence, knowing these are moments when families need support most. Her work also extends beyond events. Within her church community, where many families are navigating dementia caregiving at some stage, Cindy has become a trusted connector. She points people toward DANC resources and encourages them to reach out personally for the help they deserve.
“It’s always a satisfying thrill when I can point someone to a dementia caregiving tip or a needed resource and see that it’s genuinely appreciated,” Cindy says.
Cindy’s story reminds us that being an ambassador looks different for everyone. Some of us staff events and represent DANC at community gatherings while others become trusted connectors within our own circles, our churches, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Some do both. What matters is showing up with intention and connecting people to the resources they need. Cindy does this every single day, whether she’s at a DANC event or simply sharing a resource with someone in her church who’s navigating dementia caregiving.
What is one community where you already belong where you could be a trusted connector?
Like Cindy, you may already be part of a church, a civic group, a workplace, or another community where people are navigating dementia caregiving. You don’t need a formal role or title to share DANC resources. Here’s how to start:
- Notice who might need support. Listen for when someone mentions a family member with dementia or caregiving challenges.
- Share what you know. Mention DANC and available resources, such as support groups, navigation services, and educational materials.
- Make the connection easy. Leave them with contact information or encourage them to visit dementianc.org.
Like Cindy, you may discover that simply pointing someone toward the right resource creates that “satisfying thrill” of knowing you’ve made a real difference.
Get to Know Cindy:
Eastern BBQ or Lexington-style BBQ? Eastern BBQ
Favorite place to visit in North Carolina? Military historical sites
Favorite DANC event? Caregiving conferences and events
Mountains or coast? Mountains
One word that describes being a DANC Ambassador? Eager!
Thank you, Cindy, for showing us what it means to be a trusted connector. Your eagerness to help the people in your community find the resources they need reminds us that being an ambassador starts with simply showing up and caring.