Guillaume and Mark Bastiaens - Children’s HeartLink

The Bastiaens family has been a Children’s HeartLink supporter since 2004. As their commitment deepened, they became a Strategic Mission Supporter, strengthening capacity-building initiatives that expand access to lifesaving heart care for children in Brazil. In their own words, grandfather Guillaume and grandson Mark reflect on their family legacy and its impact across generations:

“It has been incredibly rewarding to watch Children’s HeartLink expand its reach and bring this proven model to more children and families worldwide. Being part of that growth—witnessing lives transformed and local healthcare systems strengthened—has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”

—Guillaume Bastiaens, past Children’s HeartLink Board Member and retired Vice Chairman, Cargill

Guillaume’s passion for Brazil and Children’s HeartLink’s Mission

Six people in scrubs and masks posing in hospital hallway.

Mark Bastiaens (second from left) with medical volunteers and Brazilian heart care team during a training visit.

“I was first introduced to Children’s HeartLink by past President Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney. From the very beginning, I was deeply impressed by the organization’s leadership and clarity of purpose. The mission was straightforward and powerful: helping children live healthy lives while building a sustainable legacy of care through local doctors and medical staff.

My passion for the work of Children’s HeartLink in Brazil developed over many years and remains deeply personal. During my career at Cargill, I had numerous opportunities to visit Brazil as the company grew from operating in three countries to sixty-three. In those early days, we were processing soybeans, and I often met local farmers and visited small rural villages. I vividly remember children playing soccer wherever they could find space—on dirt fields, in the streets, or empty lots. They didn’t have the modern facilities many children enjoy today, but their joy and spirit were unmistakable.

That experience sparked a love for Brazil that still holds a special place in my heart. When I later joined Children’s HeartLink’s, I immediately recognized the tremendous need in small Brazilian communities—and in similar communities around the world—where access to advanced medical care, especially for children, is limited.”

Help Children Access Heart Care

The ripple effects of Guillaume’s passion on Mark

“My grandfather made it a priority for our family to travel to Brazil to see Children’s HeartLink’s work firsthand. That experience was incredibly impactful—it transformed my understanding of the organization from something I had heard about into something I truly felt.

What stood out most was the depth of commitment on the ground. We witnessed not just clinical care, but a full ecosystem being built to support children with heart disease—training, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability. The hospital leadership and staff were exceptional, and it was inspiring to see individuals like Bruna leading meaningful, system-level change.

The dedication of the young medical teams, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. Their passion and commitment to their patients was remarkable.

That trip also gave me a new perspective on how fortunate we are to have consistent access to high-quality healthcare in the United States. Being part of an organization that is working to build that same level of care in other countries is something I feel deeply proud of.”

Continuing a legacy

As the legacy of one generation passes down to the next, the Bastiaens are choosing to continue their support for children living with congenital heart disease in Brazil.

“My grandfather instilled in all his grandchildren the importance of hard work and giving back. He didn’t just talk about those values—he lived them, and he made sure we were exposed to them early.

Children’s HeartLink was something he cared deeply about and continuing that legacy is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s a way to honor the example he set while also carrying forward something that has a real, tangible impact on children and families around the world.

For me, it’s not just about legacy—it’s about responsibility. I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can contribute, and I want to continue building on the foundation he created.”

— Mark Bastiaens, Children’s HeartLink Board Member and Co-owner, CG Deven Holdings dba Crisp & Green

“I believe it is essential to pass on one’s legacy—our values, experiences, and lessons learned.

Throughout my travels to remote places, one thing always stood out: the power of love within families. Children’s HeartLink embodies that same spirit, creating lasting change for children and, ultimately, building stronger families and communities.

I’ve tried to instill these values in my own children and grandchildren. Two of my grandchildren, Mark and Katie, had the special opportunity to join a team of Children’s HeartLink doctors and nurses in Brazil, where they saw the organization’s work firsthand.”

— Guillaume Bastiaens, past Children’s HeartLink Board Member and retired Vice Chairman, Cargill

Mark’s hopes and wishes for Brazil

“I’m excited about the continued growth of Children’s HeartLink’s impact in Brazil. One of my biggest hopes is to see the number of children served increase year over year as these programs continue to expand.

More importantly, I look forward to seeing the development of a truly self-sustaining system—where local hospitals, teams, and infrastructure are fully equipped to deliver high-quality cardiac care independently.”

Brazil_A-nurse-and-a-teen

“Brazil is a country with immense potential, and we’re already seeing that through the dedication of the teams on the ground and the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure. As that foundation continues to build, I believe the impact can grow exponentially.”

—Mark Bastiaens, current Children’s HeartLink Board Member and Co-owner, CG Deven Holdings dba Crisp & Green

parent-education-discharge-instructions-pedi-brazil

The Need in Brazil

With a population of 212 million, Brazil is the most populous country in South America and has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Even so, poverty is prevalent, and many parts of the country remain largely underdeveloped.

Approximately 26k babies are born with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Brazil each year
About 30% capacity to treat children with CHD across the country

More about CHD in Brazil

Pediatric cardiac care is a highly-specialized field and requires a multi-disciplinary approach to care. Growing Children’s HeartLink Centers of Excellence is critical to sustaining and expanding access to lifesaving care to more children born with heart disease.

Your long-term support and commitment makes this mission a reality.

Support Lifesaving Partnerships with Your Gift