Mark Mattson is Presented The Dustin Cesarek Compassion Award

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Compassion. “Compassion is seeing your pain reflected in another person’s circumstances and then choosing to sit with them in the dark so they don’t have to be alone. Compassion recognizes the dignity we all deserve and connects us in our shared humanity. Someone who is compassionate often gives themselves freely to others, often at their own expense, so that those they serve may feel less alone or maybe even be relieved of some of the burdens they bear.”
Dustin Cesarek, Founder

“Mark Mattson is compassion in action. In my opinion the virtual happy hour campaign he led throughout the darkest days of COVID is the brightest example of that. It was far and away the most consistently attended virtual program we offered. People voted with their feet and returned time and time again. And as the world opened, he continued bringing that same brand of compassion to the in-person gatherings that he’s hosted. His gift is making everyone (especially the new guys) feel more seen, more understood, and more appreciated than they ever have in their caregiving role. And a thread through all that is his belief that these guys deserve joy. He’s brought a particular brand of joy to so many in our community, a joy that isn’t saddled with guilt like it so often is for caregivers. Add all that up and you’ve got compassion in action. It’s no coincidence we asked him to lead the first ever chapter of our coalition. It’s no coincidence he accepted the challenge either. That’s who Mark Mattson is.” -Kyle Woody, Founder & Executive Director