Honoring the Life and Legacy of Peter Bessong - Yannick Bessong's Father

This fundraiser is created in loving memory of Peter Bessong, a devoted father, husband, brother, and friend from Tiko, Cameroon, who passed away on October 25th, 2025 after a courageous three-year battle with prostate cancer.

My name is Jen Thompson, and Yannick is one of my closest friends. This is the first time I’ve ever set up a GoFundMe for anyone, but I’ve seen firsthand the emotion, stress, and financial strain that this loss has brought him. As his friend, I simply want to help lighten his load—to give him space to grieve his father’s passing without the overwhelming worry of how to fund the funeral and traditional ceremonies his family deserves.

About Yannick and His Father

Yannick came to the United States in 2010 at just 17 years old. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to build a life here while supporting his family in Cameroon. For the past 14 years, he has sent a monthly allowance to his father and siblings, ensuring their well-being.

When his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer four years ago, Yannick increased his support—sending nearly $1,000 every three weeks for chemo and radiation. At times, he was barely able to cover his own rent, but he never wavered in his devotion. That level of love and sacrifice is a testament to the man his father raised him to be.

Peter Bessong was a humble and respected man in his community. As a bus driver in Tiko, he provided for his five children through hard work, faith, and generosity. A pillar of his church and neighborhood, Peter was loved by all who knew him—always ready to lend a helping hand or share a word of encouragement. His passing has left a deep void, not only for his family but for everyone whose life he touched.

Cameroonian Funeral Traditions

In Cameroon, funerals are sacred, weeklong events that bring together entire communities to celebrate a person’s life. They blend Christian faith with traditional cultural customs, including singing, drumming, dancing, prayer, and shared meals. Families host guests, provide food and drinks, and ensure the ceremonies reflect the dignity and honor of the loved one’s life.

As the youngest son, Yannick has been responsible for leading and financing the majority of these traditions—arranging his father’s burial, hosting community members, and ensuring that the ceremonies are carried out in accordance with family and cultural expectations.

He will be traveling to Cameroon in January 2026 for these ceremonies, taking time away from work to ensure his father is laid to rest with love, respect, and tradition.

How Your Donation Will Help

Your generous support will directly help cover:

   •   ✈️ Round-trip travel from Massachusetts to Cameroon (approx. $1,000–$1,200)

   •   ⚰️ Funeral and burial expenses, including coffin, transport, and grave site

   •    Traditional weeklong ceremonies—food, hospitality, and community gatherings

   •    Support for family hosting responsibilities during the mourning period

   •    Outstanding medical bills from Peter’s cancer treatments

Every dollar will help Yannick focus on honoring his father, rather than worrying about how to manage the financial strain of these traditions.

About Yannick’s Work and Heart

Professionally, Yannick is the Senior Director at The Edinburg Center in Bedford, Massachusetts, a nonprofit organization that provides vital support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries.

He oversees a large department of group homes where individuals are supported to live meaningful, independent lives. The Edinburg Center’s mission is to help people become active, contributing members of their communities through recreational, educational, vocational, and civic engagement.

Yannick has dedicated his career to improving the lives of others. Now, he’s the one who needs our help.

From the Heart

As a friend, I’ve watched him carry so much responsibility with quiet strength and grace. He’s the first to show up for others—whether at work, in his community, or for his family back home. Now it’s our turn to show up for him.

Please consider donating, no matter the amount. Every bit helps lift the weight off his shoulders and ensures his father, Peter Bessong, is laid to rest with the dignity and love he so deeply deserves.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping us honor a man whose life was built on faith, family, and service to others.

May Peter’s soul rest in peace, and may his legacy live on through his children.

— Jen Thompson