Your Tree Designers - Amy Burke & Trish Pereira:

Finding inspiration for a tree design can be hard...how do you take thousands of ideas swirling in your head and choose just one? Do you pick something trendy? Something timeless? Something fun? Something someone has never done before? Phew! Fortunately, the design for this year's Mary Bridge Administration tree seemed to choose me...

Lining the halls of the Mary Bridge Administration suite, there are beautiful photos of kiddos who have received care here. As I stood in the hallway one day, waiting for another meeting to start, someone asked me, "Do you know the boy in this photo? Do you know his story?" Admittedly, I see these pictures every day and appreciate their smiling faces, but don't know their stories. This is when I got to first hear his story - this is when I met Noah. 

Noah began his journey at Mary Bridge on December 5th, 2017 when he, an energetic 4-year-old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Noah was treated at Mary Bridge on and off until Noah’s battle ended peacefully at home, surrounded by family on November 6th, 2019. I was told Noah amazed everyone he met. He was a favorite patient of many of the staff at Mary Bridge who have cared for him, many of whom Noah had a very close bond with. You can read more about Noah here: 

ABOUT | NOAH JON MARKSTROM FOUNDATION

After hearing Noah's story and being even further inspired by the great work his Foundation continues to do to this day, it hit me - this is it! What would be a more perfect tree than one honoring this amazing kiddo? And that's how the idea for "Noah's Ark" was born. 

A message from Noah's parents:

We are honored by the construction of this tree in memory of our beloved son, Noah, whose strength and courage continue to inspire us every day. Mary Bridge Children's Hospital holds a special place in our hearts, as they provided exceptional care and unwavering support during Noah's journey. The 'Noah's Ark' themed tree is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring love that binds us all. Join us in honoring Noah's memory by contributing to this meaningful

cause, ensuring that other children and families receive the same exceptional care that touched our lives. - Kyle & Kara Markstrom 

The Cause: 

Each year, thousands of children come to Mary Bridge Children's. Thankfully, some of them only come once then they return to everyday life. But many children need care from Mary Bridge Children's for weeks, months, and even for years. And through these stories of children and families who spend years at Mary Bridge, you learn what makes Mary Bridge Children's so unique. Mary Bridge Children's Hospital has been providing lifesaving care and healing for more than 60 years with the help of champions like you.

How it works: 

Every dollar you donate will go directly to creation of this Noah's Ark, animal themed tree! The funds will help us buy décor, swag, and amazing gifts to go with the tree (think renting out the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, all-expense paid trips to the San Diego Zoo, maybe even an African Safari ...the sky is the limit!). Every dollar we raise from auctioning the tree this December will go directly to the Mary Bridge Children's Foundation. Let us take your dollar and turn it into five as we sell, sell, sell that beautiful tree!

Want to donate a "thing"? Let us know and we can accept other "in-kind" donations as well (cool animal items, your airline miles, etc.). 

All donations (monetary or in-kind) are eligible for tax write-offs!