Nominations Now Open for Matsuo Compassionate Care Award

ONEONTA—Helios Care is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo Compassionate Care Award. Anyone who gives back to their communities and helps others can be nominated.

Nominations are accepted for people who live or work in Otsego, Delaware or Schoharie counties who exhibit the qualities of the Compassionate Care Award namesake, Dr. Yashiro Matsuo: leadership, compassion, selfless service and dedication to serving the greater community, officials said.

Dr. Matsuo was the original clinical doctor for the three-county hospice organization, volunteering his services for more than 25 years. To learn more about Dr. Matsuo’s life and attributes, visit https://www.helioscare.org/compassionate-care-award/.

“The goal of this award is to recognize those who contribute tirelessly to their communities, usually without acknowledgement or fanfare,” said Kathryn Dailey, director of development and marketing at Helios Care. “These individuals go above and beyond in their various involvements bettering our communities, and they deserve to be celebrated.”

The winner of the award will receive a $500.00 prize, a trophy and their name on the plaque in the Helios Care lobby honoring the yearly selection. A reception will be held honoring all nominees, and the award will be presented on stage at Helios Care’s Fall Benefit Concert: “Oneonta’s Got Soul,” on October 9 at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta.

Last year’s winner of the Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo Compassionate Care Award was Dr. Carol Beechy, who, according to a press release, was selected from a group of 16 diverse nominees who represented organizers and volunteers of food banks, Sunday school teachers, civic organizers, senior citizen group founders, individuals who make grants from sporting events proceeds to help others, doctors, nurses, librarians, ministers, and in-home caregivers.

“If you know a devoted and selfless individual in your community, you are encouraged to nominate them for this prestigious award. Go to the Helios Care website and click on https://www.helioscare.org/compassionate-care-award/,” officials urged.

The deadline for completed nominations is Friday, August 28.

Those wishing to join in the celebration can purchase tickets soon for the “Oneonta’s Got Soul” Benefit Concert, presented by Country Club Auto Group—“just $20.00 to enjoy a great concert, celebrate the Dr. Matsuo award winner and bid on unique items at the silent auction.”

All proceeds benefit Helios Care patients and their families. To learn more, visit https://helioscare.org/fundraising-events/.