YouTube Star Fights Depression With Hours Of Super Mario World
YouTube star Mark Edward Fischbach, known online as gamer-comedian Markiplier, just raised over $74,500 in 18 hours by broadcasting himself playing Super Mario World nonstop.
Fischbach launched the crowdfunding campaign to benefit the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Fans reacted by flooding social media with memes and encouragement. Twitter now has around 14,600 posts with the hashtag #markiplier, and Tumblr is awash with fan art.
its-a-me Markio #markiplier pic.twitter.com/b5hsVPzX6h
— Haley Marie. (@DinoHowell) February 21, 2015
i hope @markiplier see's these #markiplier x :3 pic.twitter.com/m9LguQjLbQ
— ♥ Queen Warfstache'⭐ (@myh0lyb4lls) February 21, 2015
Who ever made this need to make Tom with Mark! This is so cute! @markiplier #markiplier #MarkiplierLivestream ♥ pic.twitter.com/nKbKzt7Nz3
— zena (@GrimmZin) February 22, 2015
I drew a quick sketch of @markiplier <3 The livestream was great today; it's amazing what ppl can do #markiplier pic.twitter.com/SHdk1TUIC7
— Desirae Dixon (@LegendJix) February 22, 2015
On his crowdfunding page, Fischbach wrote, “Mental illness is too often looked down upon as far as medical treatment goes. Too much doubt and misunderstanding surrounds these subjects and it needs to be addressed with the same seriousness as physical illnesses.”
Fans personally impacted by depression and bipolar disorder were particularly thankful.
@markiplier ilysm thank you for helping me with my depression and suicidal thoughts Thank you for being here for us. #markiplier
— Kat Loves You (@katonaizubori) February 21, 2015