When Personal Becomes Powerful: How One Father’s Story Fuels a Mission to Give Back

Twenty-one years ago, Mark Johnson and his family faced the unimaginable. Their son Alec was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit and placed in an induced coma. Eventually, Alec was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. After months in the PICU, the family transitioned to home hospice care. Despite a strong network of friends and family, navigating this new reality was overwhelming. “Alec’s doctors and nurses connected us with other families facing similar challenges, but healthcare privacy policies often made this difficult,” Mark recalls.

The experience revealed just how critical it is for families to have support systems—not just for the child, but for parents and siblings as well. From navigating financial assistance like Medicaid to finding food support during long hospital stays, these resources can ease a heavy burden and bring much-needed relief.

After Alec’s passing, the family coped in different ways. Mark silently battled PTSD for years without knowing it, in part because mental health services were hard to access. When he was finally diagnosed, he explored holistic approaches and therapy—tools that helped him manage his grief without solely relying on medication.

Mark first learned about Better2gether while forming a professional networking group. After meeting Executive Director Stephanie Becker and learning about Better2gether’s mission, he felt an immediate connection. “Their support for families with children facing complex medical issues resonated deeply with my own experiences,” Mark shares.

Over the years, Mark has used his voice to advocate for others—especially men who might struggle to speak openly about grief, trauma, or emotional needs. He became a powerful advocate for emotional support animals, sharing how his family’s pet pig, Tucker, became an unexpected yet vital part of their healing. Tucker even helped their youngest child with speech therapy and became a part of outreach events for children with special needs. The story gained national attention and helped shape federal guidance on emotional support animals and fair housing access.

Now, as a Better2gether Board Member, Mark is turning his experiences into action by helping raise funds to launch a new Dad Program, designed to offer fathers a space of their own to connect and find community.

Q&A with Mark Johnson

Why do you believe it’s important to create a dedicated space for dads of medically complex children?

“During stressful times, each parent processes emotions differently—and that’s okay. Many dads have a hard time expressing vulnerability or asking for help. A dedicated space gives them an outlet to share, gather advice, and feel supported without judgment. That kind of resource can make all the difference.”

What kind of impact do you think this program could have on dads and their families?

“Many fathers carry silent guilt—wondering if they’re doing enough or supporting their family the right way. A program like this helps dads take care of their own well-being and gives them the tools to be more present. It’s about empowering them to step into a stronger, more confident role.”

Can you share a moment when you felt the need for more support or connection as a dad?

“When Alec was first diagnosed, I watched my male friends quietly back away. Some didn’t know what to say, others thought I needed space. But what I really needed was connection. Even an hour to vent, to laugh, or to feel like myself again. This program could offer that—just showing up would be enough.”

What excites you most about the Dad Program’s potential?

“It’s a chance to build something that truly changes lives. Whether it’s a group outing, a conversation, or simply knowing someone else understands, this program gives dads a sense of belonging. And when dads feel supported, families get stronger.”

As a board member, how does this program align with Better2gether’s mission?

“This is exactly what Better2gether stands for—meeting families where they are, offering meaningful support during tough times. Supporting dads will strengthen our whole community and ensure that no one feels like they have to carry the weight alone.”

More About Mark

Mark grew up in a small rural area in Massachusetts. Currently, he works in real estate, a career he began immediately after college by purchasing his first property to rent out to friends and students in need of housing. Before his current reentry into his real estate career, Mark worked in healthcare, focusing on practice growth and development. His journey started in vision care (as an optician which eventually brought him to Richmond through the Virginia Eye Institute. Despite his healthcare background, nothing prepared him for the complexities of having a child with a serious medical condition and the challenges that came with it.

Mark and his family have since opened an animal rescue in Powhatan, providing care for animals and offering a sanctuary. They continue to be active in community initiatives, exemplifying the power of resilience, support, and giving back.

We’re proud to have Mark Johnson as part of the Better2gether Board and deeply grateful for his passion, perspective, and leadership. His journey reminds us all why our work matters—and why the voices of every family member deserve to be heard.