Mark Camacho

Mark John Camacho, born August 23, 2006 in Rochester, NY, returned to his Heavenly Father on October 1, 2024 at the age of 18 after a courageous four-and-a-half year battle with appendix cancer. We announce his passing with heavy hearts, but also full of gratitude for his life and the joy he brought us.

Mark grew up in a number of places, including Rochester, NY, South Pasadena, CA, Albuquerque, NM, and finally Provo, UT. Before his cancer diagnosis, Mark was the captain of his science bowl team, a math enthusiast, and an expert litigator at both mock trials and in the court of 3 older brothers. He also claimed the biggest trophy in the house for his kindergarten state chess championship. In his younger years, Mark played soccer and learned to play the piano and violin. He was in his school's chess club, participated in Cub Scouts, and was very active in Provo's Troop 999, which gave him the opportunity to experience the outdoors across Utah and even an adventure in Oregon.

At the age of 13, Mark's life took an unexpected turn with his cancer diagnosis. Throughout his battle, Mark transformed into a tech entrepreneur, a knowledgeable medical advocate, and a social media guru. His millions of viewers filled the comments section of his viral videos about the latest tech gadgets, Del Taco deals, and life updates. As we began sorting through his extensive collection of electronics, we found a bag full of hospital wristbands he had been keeping since his diagnosis. Each one tells a story of his courage and determination in spite of tremendous suffering, which defined him until his last moment.

Mark's strength of character shone through in countless ways. When he learned his aging grandfather had never hiked the Y, he simply left the house with grandpa and started walking. Two hours later, they sent a photo from the top, overcoming cancer and old age for a day.

Mark loved his family, especially his little sister Alice, whom he adored. His compassion extended beyond family; just weeks before entering the hospital for the last time, he passed out school backpacks at Tabitha’s Pantry to children in need, carefully selecting the right size and color, knowing that he would never again attend school himself.

In his final days, Mark expressed a desire to come home. After a heroic car ride from Primary Children’s Hospital to his Provo home, he gave his dad a final fist bump, sat in his favorite chair, climbed into his bed, and used the familiar hallway bathroom. Nine hours later, he passed away.

Throughout his journey, Mark was sustained by his faith. He faced death without fear. He fought hard and he fought well, and we will miss him every day.

Mark is survived by his parents Ryan and Melinda Camacho, siblings David, Joseph, James, and Alice Camacho, both maternal and paternal grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Final Arrangements: A memorial service will be held at the Oak Hills Stake Center, located at 925 North Temple Drive, Provo, Utah on Saturday, October 12 at 11:00 am with visiting from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. Interment will be at the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery.

The family kindly asks that you make a donation in lieu of flowers to help support the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms since that was Mark’s favorite place to escape and find a snack when he was at the hospital.