With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cynthia Leigh Hedrick, who departed this life on July 13, 2026, at the age of 63.

Born on March 31, 1963, Cindy lived a life defined by compassion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to helping those who could not speak for themselves. Outside of her family, her greatest calling was the creation and operation of SC-C.A.R.E.S., the animal sanctuary she and her beloved husband, Skip, founded and devoted their lives to for 15 years.

After moving from Lexington, North Carolina, to Georgetown, South Carolina, they built more than a sanctuary—they created a safe haven where animals that were abandoned, neglected, injured, or forgotten could finally find love, healing, and a place to live out their lives in peace. Through her tireless efforts, Cindy rescued, rehabilitated, and cared for thousands of animals, including injured wildlife, neglected domestic animals, and exotic species. To her, every life mattered. She saw hope where others saw hardship and never stopped fighting for those who had no voice.

Running SC-C.A.R.E.S. was never simply a job—it was her life’s purpose. She could be found feeding animals, building enclosures, transporting rescues, cleaning, raising funds, and providing endless care to the creatures who depended on her. She sacrificed countless hours, personal comforts, and often her own needs to ensure every animal received the love and compassion it deserved. Her greatest reward was watching an injured animal heal, a frightened animal learn to trust again, or knowing another life had been saved because she refused to give up. Her determination, resilience, unmatched work ethic, and selflessness inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her work at the sanctuary, Cindy was an accomplished author who wrote three books; Tails from SC-C.A.R.E.S. and Love at First Site—shared the remarkable stories of the animals she rescued, offering lessons, inspiration, and encouragement. Her third book explored the far-reaching effects of our modern food system, examining its impact on animals, human health, and the environment, reflecting her lifelong commitment to advocacy, education, and her desire for change.

Before discovering her life’s mission, Cindy began her career in the Davidson County Clerk NC of Court’s Office. She later built and operated her own cleaning business, often working multiple jobs to provide for her family. No task was beneath her, and no amount of hard work ever discouraged her. She believed that if something needed to be done, you simply rolled up your sleeves and did it. That relentless work ethic became the foundation for everything she accomplished throughout her life.

Beyond her extraordinary life’s work, Cindy’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished her daughter, Ashley, adored her three grandchildren, Emma, James, and John, and shared an enduring love with Skip, the love of her life and partner in every sense of the word. While she loved animals more than she did most people, she also had a remarkable gift for connecting with people to help them understand the importance of treating every living creature with kindness, dignity, and respect.

Those who knew Cindy will remember her fierce compassion, generous heart, incredible strength, and unwavering belief that every living creature deserved a chance. Her impact cannot be measured by the years she lived, but by the thousands of lives she saved, the sanctuary she built, and the countless people she inspired to care more deeply for the world around them.

Cindy is survived by her beloved husband, Skip; her loving daughter, Ashley (and her husband Tom); her three cherished grandchildren (Emma, James, and John); her sisters (Cathy and Tina), brother (Maurice); many cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, devoted supporters, and fellow animal advocates whose lives she touched.

She leaves behind a legacy of compassion that will live on through the animals she rescued, the sanctuary she created, and the kindness she inspired in others.

A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to an animal rescue or wildlife rehabilitation organization in her honor, continuing the mission that defined her life.

“A life spent serving others is a life well lived.” Cynthia Leigh Hedrick served with her whole heart, and her legacy of love, sacrifice, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.