“Every man is worth just as much as the value of the things he’s set his heart upon.” Marcus Aurelius

Alexander “Sandy” Halperin, DDS,  retired dentist, author, entrepreneur, public servant, and person living with dementia has, for the past three years, been featured in CNN segments presented by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Sandy has chosen to not allow dementia to define him. Indeed, his love of life, family, and advocacy for others living with dementia, along with his positive outlook, determination, and wonderful spirit, have made him a blessing and invaluable role model to all who know him.  Sandy currently serves on our Leadership Board of impressive individuals living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s, who advocate to change our nation’s understanding of and attitudes about living fully with dementia.

The Dementia Action Alliance is indeed thrilled that Sandy will be awarded the William Proxmire Award for Alzheimer’s Advocacy at the Great Minds Gala in Washington, DC on March 14, 2016.

What may not be noted at the Gala is Sandy’s luminous generosity of spirit.  He could be the giving friend described in Gwen Tremain Runyard’s poem:

“Take my hand-it will not weaken me. Feel my warmth – it will not lessen. Touch my soul – it is there to be reached. Drink from my cup – there is always more. Absorb my caring – I feel part of your loss. Be strong in my strength – there’s more than enough.”   To a Good Friend

What also may not be noted is Sandy modeling for us what matters most in life, perhaps best described by John Fort Newton:

“We cannot tell what may happen to us in this strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us, how we take it, what we do with it-and that is what really counts in the end.”  What Really Counts

Sandy continually teaches us by example that living a full life means far more than just taking care of our own needs. It means taking our talents and skills, our compassion and commitment, and applying it to something outside ourselves–to a greater purpose-to something meaningful and helpful to others.

For all this and more, the Dementia Action Alliance honors Sandy Halperin for being our dear friend and invaluable role model as he helps us see more clearly and appreciate more greatly the sublime and subtle joys of friendship and the endless power and strength that comes from our caring  national coalition so that people with dementia may live more fully wherever they live.