At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan (BBBSSM), the “Bigger Together” motto comes to life through the remarkable stories of our mentors and mentees. This year, BBBSSM is proud to honor Mark and Carter as the Big Brother and Little Brother for Match of the Year. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the life-changing impact of mentorship.

Mark became a Big Brother with the goal of making a positive difference in a child’s life, but his relationship with Carter has gone far beyond that. When tragedy struck the family Mark was originally matched with, he stepped up in an extraordinary way, forming a deep and lasting bond with two brothers united by both love and loss.

Initially, Mark was paired with Dallas, a lively and energetic boy who immediately took to him, referring to Mark as “like a real brother.” The two shared a love for sports and adventure, and they created countless memories together, from dinners and outings to recording their fun on iPhone videos. But their time together was cut tragically short when Dallas lost his life to gun violence in June 2023.

While grief might have driven some away, Mark’s commitment only deepened. Recognizing that Dallas’ younger brother, Carter, was also grieving, Mark reached out to offer support. Their new match was officially formed in August 2023, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both of them.

In just five months, Mark has become a vital source of joy and healing for Carter. “He helps me get out of the house and just have fun,” Carter shares, echoing his mother’s gratitude for Mark’s support. Together, they’ve explored new activities, from Top Golf to rock climbing, while keeping the memory of Dallas alive through their shared conversations and stories.

For Mark, the connection has also been deeply personal. Having lost his own brother to gun violence, Mark reflects, “I see myself in Carter. This isn’t how either of us wanted to connect, but through our shared grief, we’ve found a bond that feels like family.”

He adds, “Family doesn’t have to be blood-related. Being a Big Brother has given me a purpose I never knew I needed, and for that, I am so grateful.”

Together, Mark and Carter are building new memories while healing from the past. Carter has even begun to showcase his hidden musical talents, with Mark cheering him on as his biggest fan. Their shared passion for music, sports, and family has formed a unique connection that transcends words.

Mark and Carter’s story is more than just a match—it’s a testament to the strength of brotherhood, resilience, and human connection in the face of tragedy. We are honored to celebrate them as our Match of the Year, and their story reminds us all of the power of being Bigger Together.

Congratulations, Mark and Carter, and thank you for being a part of the BBBSSM family.

Want to create a similar connection? Become a Big and make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.