Help Ben Beat Cancer!

Help Ben Beat Cancer!

My name is Elizabeth Brodeur and I am setting up a go-fund-me page for my nephew Benjamin Davis. Ben is 24 years old and recently received a “surprise “cancer diagnosis following a routine tonsillectomy.

Ben was accepted into an accelerated bachelor's program in nursing at a Florida university. He was to begin on May 15. In preparation for the 18-month extensive program, he quit his job as a certified medical assistant, scheduled his tonsillectomy, and signed a one-year lease in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Ben was having tonsil issues, so it was decided that he would go ahead and have them removed in early April before college started so that he was healthy for school. A week after surgery, Ben moved to Saint Petersburg, bought his books, and attended a full-day college orientation. He returned home in late April to have a follow-up with his surgeon regarding his tonsillectomy recovery.

Ben went to that appointment by himself. It was a complete shock to everyone, including his surgeon, when the pathology report revealed that Ben had cancer. The surgeon said this was the first time he ever had a surprise cancer diagnosis.

His mom is my sister, Anne. Due to the fact, our father was diagnosed and passed away from another form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma back in 2012, our emotions were running very high when Ben told us he also had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

It was early May when Ben had his first appointment with Moffitt Cancer Center, where he was officially diagnosed with diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The oncologist recommended that due to the strong drug combination needed for treatment, Ben should not commence with the nursing program in May. His oncologist strongly suggested that Ben focuses on fighting cancer and remaining healthy. He believed that the stresses and pace of the accelerated program, along with Ben being exposed to other patients during a time of immuno- compromised health, was not a good option.

Because Ben quit his job before moving to Saint Pete and immediately started chemo, he has been unable to work at this time. He also no longer has short-term disability insurance to aid with his financial obligations. Ben was given a list of potential grants and other financial aid programs, but, unfortunately, all of the programs have already run out of money.

Ben is a loving and caring person who needs our help and support. He truly has felt all of the love and support of family and friends over the past eight weeks, but money is very tight, and his medical bills, fertility preservation expenses, along with his monthly expenses, finances have become a huge burden.

Anything you can donate will truly be appreciated. Anything we can do to minimize the day-to-day stresses and allow Ben to focus on his health and beat cancer will be beneficial. Please spread the word. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.