Michael D. Mattoon unexpectedly left this life on January 30, 2017 at the tender age of 30. He left behind his loving wife, Kathleen, and daughter, Madison, 11 months. 

Michael fought a courageous battle with a quiet and insidious mental disease, bipolar disorder. Unlike physical ailments that are visible to the naked eye and evoke instant empathy, mental diseases are often less understood and more difficult to relate to. 

To Michael's credit – with the support of Kathleen, Madison, his parents and brother, and close friends – this awful disease did not define him as evidenced by the pictures within highlighting several cherished memories. He will be remembered for many things, including: his love for family, friends and dogs, his ear-to-ear smile, public service as a firefighter and paramedic, and love for the outdoors among many other things; but perhaps most importantly, his love for his wife and daughter who brought Michael happiness and the "normal life" he longed for. 

In Michael's memory, we would like to raise awareness and change the stigma associated with mental illness. We would also like to raise financial funds to help farther the necessary research needed to aid in the treatment of brain and behavior disorders. All funds raised from this golf outing will go to Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. 

• Since 1987, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded more than $365 million to fund more than 5,000 grants to more than 4,000 scientists around the world.

• The mission of the Foundation is to alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research.

• 100% of donations for research are invested directly into research grants thanks to the generosity of two family foundations that underwrite operational expenses at the Foundation.

• The funding model of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation encourages new and innovative research in that we are able to support new ideas from bottom up generated by scientists.

• The Foundation only funds scientists whose research is reviewed and recommended by a world-renowned Scientific Council including Nobel Prize winners and chairs of psychiatric departments.

• Learn more about the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.