Honouring the life of Mark Bistoyong

I’m Katrina Farrell, close friend to the Bistoyong family. Please read the updated information

Fundraising Update:

First and foremost, the Bistoyong Family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made a donation in honour of Mark’s Memory. They are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from family, friends, and members of the community.

Mark made a lasting impact on so many people during his sixteen years, and we are certain that given more time, he would have impacted and shaped the lives of many others. As the Bistoyong family looks to move forward from this tragedy, honouring Marks memory in a meaningful and impactful way will be their mission.

A small change has been made as to the intended allotment of funds collected from this page. After some careful thought and consideration, the family has decided to donate 100 percent of funds raised to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at McMaster Children’s hospital. The previously mentioned bursary, to be established in Marks name, will still go forward as planned and will be funded by the Bistoyong family personally.

The family recently had the opportunity to talk with McMaster University Hospital and have made the decision to pledge a $100,000 donation, in Mark’s honor, to the NICU. This gift will help support the NICU as they continue to provide resources for healthcare workers, families, and infants in their care. It will also contribute to the purchase of vital medical equipment. The pledge will be formalized once 50 percent of the $100,000 goal is fulfilled. Upon reaching this goal, the donation will be commemorated with a plaque in Mark’s name which will hang in the NICU at McMaster Children’s Hospital and will be celebrated with a ribbon ceremony.

The journey to honour Mark’s memory is well underway, but there is much work to be done. We need your continued support to make this goal a reality. This GoFundMe will remain active until October 1st, 2023. Donations of any size will be greatly appreciated. Assistance in spreading the word of this endeavour will also go a long way to help the family achieve their goal.

In the weeks and months ahead, the family will be working to organize a number of events to honour Mark’s memory. These events will bring the community together and will raise funds to help fulfill the family’s pledge to McMaster.

On September 11th, 2023, a fundraising dinner is being planned to celebrate what would have been Mark’s 17th birthday. The proceeds of this event will also go toward the $100,000 NICU donation. Event details will be provided in the near future, so please check back.

Also in the coming weeks, McMaster will be providing a link, attached in honour of Mark, through which you can donate to them directly. All donations made through this link will also count towards the $100,000 that the Bistoyong Family have pledged.

Every dollar that you give and every event that you support will play a vital role in ensuring that the spirit of Mark’s memory lives on.

With Thanks and Appreciation,

The Bistoyong Family

(July 6, 2023)

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-hearted Supporters,

I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. Today, I come before you to share a heartfelt cause that holds great significance for our beloved Mark Bistoyong, a remarkable young soul who left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mark's journey began in the most challenging of circumstances, spending his earliest days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at McMaster Children's Hospital. It was there, within the nurturing embrace of the dedicated staff, that Mark fought against the odds and triumphed over the hurdles of those first critical moments of life. The unwavering support and compassionate care he received in that unit became the foundation upon which his story of resilience and strength was built.

We count ourselves incredibly lucky to have witnessed Mark's growth into a vibrant, charismatic, and funny young man. His personality illuminated every room he entered, filling it with warmth, smiles and laughter. His infectious spirit touched the hearts of his family, friends, and peers alike, leaving an undeniable impact on all who crossed his path.

Mark cherished every moment of his life, finding joy in being active, spending time with his loved ones, and creating treasured memories with his friends. His uniqueness was a gift that brought light to our lives, and for the sixteen precious years we had with him, we are eternally grateful.

Though our hearts are heavy with the knowledge that we won't have the privilege of experiencing more moments with Mark, we are determined to honor his memory by giving back. We seek to support the dedicated healthcare workers who played a pivotal role in bringing Mark into this world and nurturing him through the challenges he faced. Additionally, we aspire to create a lasting legacy by establishing a bursary that embodies the spirit and charisma that Mark exuded. This bursary will assist a deserving student on their educational journey, offering them the opportunity to flourish in areas that Mark was unable to pursue.

Your generous donations will contribute to both the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at McMaster Children's Hospital and the establishment of the Mark Bistoyong Bursary, ensuring that the compassionate healthcare providers continue to offer exceptional care to infants and their families, and that a young individual is supported in their pursuit of personal and academic growth.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude for your consideration and your willingness to support this cause. Your contribution, whether big or small, will make a tangible difference in the lives of those who carry on Mark's legacy. Together, let us celebrate his memory and continue the compassionate work that allowed him to touch our lives so deeply.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your generous donation and unwavering support.

With love and gratitude,

The Bistoyong family