Alessio Manti built his life around two beliefs:
community depends on
the health of the people
within it, and that
we each have the ability
to
make a difference.
Alessio lost his struggle, but his closest companions continue to carry out his hope: that Alessio’s Glad House could support others who continue to struggle with their beast and that we may make a difference, one person at a time.
— George Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life
(1947)
— George Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)
(As quoted by a close friend in a eulogy for Alessio to commemorate Alessio playing George Bailey in their school play)
Alessio’s Glad House was brought to life by a uniquely talented group of individuals who are bonded by their passion to make a real difference to people struggling with mental health. While we certainly cannot thank everyone, we’d like to send a special note of gratitude to: Cheryl Fielding for green-lighting and approving this effort; Janis Cohen and Louis Massaia for their vision, creative drive, and orchestration throughout; Dan Weber and Purvi Naik for their deeply empathetic and original creative vision; and to MK Coonan, Jessica Weiss, and Gabrielle Gerber for artistically sculpting our voice and re-creating Alessio’s unique handwriting.
But most importantly, we’d all like to thank Alessio. Without his courage, his brilliance, and his heart, the Glad House would never have been built.