Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
A public fundraiser has been established to help former Otep drummer Mark “Moke” Bistany as he faces serious health and housing difficulties. Organized by Holly Guerin on Bistany’s behalf, the GoFundMe campaign has a target of $35,000.
The campaign describes an extended period of treatment and rehabilitation, with the musician needing help covering housing, transportation, medication, medical visits and everyday necessities. The organizer says that Bistany currently lacks secure accommodation for his eventual discharge from hospital care.
Guerin’s appeal also alleges that Bistany’s health deteriorated after earlier medical treatment and refers to a dispute over that care. Those allegations are presented here as the fundraiser organizer’s account; they have not been independently established from medical records or court documents.
The funding page identifies Bistany as the beneficiary and lists Guerin as the person organizing the appeal on his behalf. Supporters can read the full campaign description and make donations directly through the platform.
Bistany is known to metal fans for his work with Otep, the Los Angeles heavy metal project led by Otep Shamaya. The fundraiser received wider attention on October 27 after being circulated by rock and metal news outlets and the band’s social channels.
Read the original Support for Mark “Moke” Bistany fundraiser for its latest updates and current donation total.
We are raising funds for Mark “Moke” Bistany, a professional drummer who has suffered a debilitating health crisis. In 2015, Mark walked into Mass General Hospital with stomach pain, at 5’9″ and 140 lbs. 19 days later, he left in a wheelchair at 94 lbs with a lifetime of consequences. A rushed misdiagnosis set off years of wrong treatments, heavy steroids, and dangerous drugs given despite a documented allergy. Mark has been left with a lifelong illness, fractured vertebrae, and blood clots throughout his body. He has been fighting for his life for the past 7 months in hospitals and rehab, and his body can no longer hold up.
While for 7 years Mark fought through a malpractice case the courts called “plagued by procedural irregularity”, the bills didn’t wait. Because of his complex condition and permanent damage that has been caused, he ended up homeless.
We are raising money for Mark’s care and everyday survival: home nursing, transportation, food, rent, medications, and doctors’ visits. When Mark leaves the hospital, he has nowhere to go. We hope that you please find it in your heart to help us help Mark. If you know him, you know that he would never ask for help himself. He is so kind and generous, he would rather give you the shirt off his back than take a dime from you. Thank you so much for taking the time to read his story and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving him a helping hand.
