June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, an excellent time to recognize and thank Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther for the many ways she has supported individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers during her time in the New York State Legislature. 

She was an early proponent of initiatives such as the establishment of a strategic state plan to address Alzheimer’s, which laid the groundwork for New York’s trailblazing Alzheimer’s Disease Community Assistance Program (AlzCAP). These initiatives made a positive difference for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. 

Assemblywoman Gunther has always been attentive, not only to big-picture issues like this, but also to individual constituents, meeting personally with them and giving their concerns her undivided attention. 

We are in awe of her stamina and determination—first as a devoted health care professional at Community General Hospital and then as a public servant in the NYS Legislature after the untimely death of her husband, Assemblyman Jake Gunther, who was a devoted advocate for our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Her transformation from nursing to public service was accomplished with much compassion and commitment, which enabled her to effectively serve the needs of our community while still raising a family and coping with personal loss. 

We were very lucky to have her as our representative—as well as her extraordinary support staff, including Rachel Steingart, Jean Galligan, Honora Wohl, Nancy Kane, Drew Maier, Colleen Cooke and Cody Vegliante, as well as many other previous staff members, who welcomed and assisted the public with warmth and concern. 

Assemblywoman Gunther leaves behind a legacy of achievement and countless lives touched by her dedication, compassion and leadership. On behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association’s volunteers in Sullivan County, I wish her a relaxing and wonderful retirement, enjoying the next chapter of her life after taking care of our needs for the past 20 years.

Sheila Lashinsky
Volunteer advocate, Alzheimer’s Association
Monticello, NY