It could not have begun more modestly, launching as a grassroots organization in a detached one-car garage behind a church.
Thirty years later, the nonprofit Matthew 25 AIDS Services Inc. has grown into a leading provider of HIV prevention care, and support services across 25 counties in Western Kentucky and 12 counties in Southern Indiana, operating four comprehensive HIV/AIDS medical clinics and a pharmacy.
On Monday night, its founding chief executive officer, Cyndee Burton, was honored as the Henderson Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
“Cyndee has spent 40 years as a registered nurse, dedicating her career to caring for others,” Rachel Trout, Matthew 25’s public relations and fundraising specialist, said in announcing the award on behalf of current Matthew 25 CEO Courtney Woolfork, who was out of town at a national conference,
“But during the early years of the HIV epidemic, she recognized a need that extended far beyond medical care,” Trout said. “She saw individuals facing fear, stigma, discrimination and isolation. She saw people who needed someone willing to stand beside them when so many others would not.
“And Cyndee chose to be that person.”
Through her church, the former Zion United Church of Christ, Burton organized volunteers.
“Through her vision, determination, compassion and leadership, that small effort grew into an organization that continues to provide essential healthcare and supportive services to individuals and families throughout our region,” Trout said. “But what makes Cyndee’s story so remarkable isn’t simply what she built. It’s why she built it.
“She believed that every person deserved to be treated with dignity and compassion. That everyone deserved access to care. And that no one should have to face HIV alone. Those beliefs became the foundation of Matthew 25, and they continue to guide the work we do every single day.
“As our founder and former CEO, Cyndee helped create something that has changed countless lives,” Trout said. “There are people who received care when they had nowhere else to turn. People who found hope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Families who found support and individuals who found a community that welcomed them without judgment.
“We will never fully know just how many lives Cyndee has touched or the ripple effect of the work she began. Her impact reaches far beyond the people she has personally served. It lives on through the people she inspired, the opportunities she created, and the organization that continues to carry her mission forward.
“And what makes this recognition even more special is that Cyndee’s work is far from finished.”
Burton retired in 2022, but remains active with Matthew 25.
But, Trout said, “Her dedication didn’t end when she stepped away from her role as CEO. She continues to show up, support our work and advocate for the people and communities we serve. Just this past weekend, she told me she needs to be placed back on payroll. Of all her knowledge, I think she may be unaware of what the word retirement means, so someone may need to fill her in.”
As large a job as being CEO of Matthew 25 would become, Burton found time to do even more in the community.
“She has devoted countless hours to strengthening Henderson through her involvement with the Henderson Community Foundation, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and numerous other community organizations.
“One contribution that deserves special recognition is her role in helping spearhead the Henderson Homeless Coalition. Cyndee has been instrumental in bringing people and organizations together to address homelessness and housing insecurity in our community. She continues to be actively involved in the progress Henderson has made toward better supporting individuals and families who need safe and stable housing.
“That is who Cyndee is.
“When she sees a need, she doesn’t simply talk about it. She brings people together, finds ways to help and stays involved in the work of making things better.
“Whether it’s someone living with HIV, a family experiencing housing insecurity or someone who simply needs a person in their corner, Cyndee has spent her life making sure people are not forgotten.
“Her contributions have earned her recognition throughout Kentucky and beyond, including being named HIV Nurse of the Year in 2007 by the National HIV Body Pro and receiving the 2017 Distinguished Nonprofit Leadership Award from the Kentucky Nonprofit Network.
“But perhaps the greatest recognition of Cyndee’s work cannot be captured in an award or a title. It is found in the countless lives that are better because she cared enough to do something.”
In accepting the honor, Burton said, “I’m so humbled and honored by this award. I look around and see people I learned from, and I stand on their shoulders. I’m so blessed; I’m so blessed.
“I’ve been very grateful to serve this community and Matthew 25.”
