Heike von Lützau-Hohlbein awarded the Cross of Merit on ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Wednesday 29 April 2009

The award was presented by Social Minister of Bavaria, Christine Haderthauer in Munich. The Minister stated, With over 20 years of service to people with dementia, you have certainly earned it. For your outstanding performance the Federal President has awarded you the Cross of Merit on ribbon. Heike von Lützau-Hohlbein has been on the board of the Deutsche Alzheimer Gesellschaft since 1990, was a founder of the German Alzheimer Foundation, was treasurer of the Deutsche Alzheimer Gesellschaft for many years and is currently honorary treasurer of Alzheimer Europe. On presentation of the award, Ms von Lützau-Hohlbein declared that she was very pleased to receive this honour and that she accepted on behalf of the many volunteers who through self-help groups and Alzheimer societies help improve the situation of more than a million people with dementia and their relatives. She pointed out that 20 years ago there was practically no support for people with dementia and their carers, that much has been done but that there is still a lot to do. She concluded by saying that the award gave her the strength to carry on.