Austin Mardon honoured with the Order of Canada

From Western Catholic Reporter:

A person with a mental illness can still excel," maintains Austin Mardon. And he is living proof of it.

Since diagnosed with schizophrenia 15 years ago, the former Antarctic explorer with NASA has received three notable decorations, including the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

On Feb. 20, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean announced another important distinction for Mardon when she said the 44-year-old man will be inducted into the Order of Canada in recognition of his tireless efforts to raise public awareness about schizophrenia.

A gift of hope

"I feel very humbled and honoured by this (recognition)," Mardon said March 15. "I see this as a gift to those 300,000 Canadians with schizophrenia. In a small way this may give them some hope."

Born in Edmonton in 1962, Mardon, a member of St. Alphonsus Parish, is the holder of several degrees, including a master of education from Texas A&M University and a doctorate in geography from Greenwich University, Australia, in 2000. He is the author of more than 40 books and 130 scholarly publications. His works have dealt with such diverse areas as astronomy, Alberta history and Antarctic research. He explored the Antarctica as part of the United States NASA/NSF-sponsored Antarctic Meteorite Recovery Expedition in 1986, investigating meteorite impacts.

Mardon was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1992, at the age of 30. Since then, in addition to continuing his academic work, he has worked tirelessly to help other Albertans with schizophrenia and mental illness. In 1993 he co-founded Prosper
Place Clubhouse for people with mental illness.

He has also served on the board of directors of Unsung Heroes, an Edmonton self-support group for people with schizophrenia, and on both the Edmonton and Alberta chapters of the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta.

A member of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities for many years, Mardon is currently chair of Champions Centre, a Christian interdenominational society dedicated to providing permanent housing for homeless people with mental disabilities. "I always feel I'm not doing enough, but I have to limit myself," said Mardon, who will be invested into the order in October.

Appointing Mardon to the Order of Canada "is very appropriate because he has distinguished himself in the academic field and now as a person who cares and who is reaching out to help others," said John MacDonald, an archdiocesan official who serves with Mardon on the board of Champions Centre.

A valiant man

"He has responded to schizophrenia very courageously and is doing everything he can to work for people with disabilities. He is a man who has refused to be curtailed by major obstacles like schizophrenia, which could be incredibly debilitating."