Be a Part of Ben's Fight to Beat Leukemia

For those of you that don't know me, I'm Joanna Farrell, Ben's Aunt and Godmother. I write this today with a heavy heart, seeking compassion and support for my dear, sweet nephew, Ben, who has been diagnosed with PH+ALL Leukemia at the tender age of 8. This diagnosis has shaken his parents, Liz and Sean, his little brother, Luke and our whole family to the core, but amidst the fear and uncertainty, we are determined to fight alongside Ben every step of the way.

For those who may not be familiar, PH+ALL Leukemia is a rare and aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) characterized by the presence of a Philadelphia chromosome (PH). This genetic abnormality complicates treatment and requires specialized care for a minimum of three years, making Ben's journey ahead even more challenging.

Ben, is not just any child facing a diagnosis of PH+ALL Leukemia, he is our true miracle, a beacon of light in all of our lives.

Let me share with you the remarkable journey that brought Ben into this world. His mother, my sister Liz, herself a cancer survivor, was told by doctors that her chances of conceiving naturally were a mere 3%. Yet, against all odds, Ben defied those statistics and entered our lives as an unexpected blessing, a testament to the power of hope and miracles. He was the first grandchild on both sides and for our close knit friendship group, he was all our first baby. The baby that really made you think about having your own one day. He is a vibrant, sweet, and loving boy who fills our lives with joy. He's a video game enthusiast, a sports aficionado, and a wonderful older brother to Luke, whom he affectionately refers to as his "soul mate". Ben's spirit transcends his young age; he possesses an old soul encased in an 8-year-old body. He finds joy in dancing, loves board games, word searches and trivia, loves wrestling and will happily perform multiple wrestling intros when asked.

But now, instead of enjoying carefree days at school or running around with friends, Ben finds himself thrust into a battle against a formidable foe: cancer. It's a battle that no child should have to face, especially one as full of life and promise as Ben.

As Ben embarks on this daunting journey of treatment and recovery, my sister Liz and my brother in law, Sean are faced with the unimaginable challenge of supporting their son through this ordeal. The emotional toll of seeing their child endure painful treatments and the constant worry for his well-being are immense. In the face of this crisis, my sister Liz and Sean are grappling with the profound impact on their family. As Ben undergoes rigorous treatments and hospital stays, both Liz and Sean will likely need to put their careers on pause to be by his side, offering him the unwavering care and support only a mother and father can provide. Meanwhile, their younger son Luke, must navigate his own challenges, between missing his brother terribly and striving for normalcy amidst the upheaval caused by his brother’s illness.

This is where we humbly ask for your help. By launching this GoFundMe campaign, we aim to provide Liz and Sean with the financial support they need to focus on Ben's care without the added worry of mounting medical bills and everyday expenses. Your donations will make a tangible difference in ensuring that Ben receives the best possible care and that his family can stand by his side every step of the way.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in Ben's journey towards healing. Your kindness and generosity will not only provide practical assistance, but also serve as a source of strength and hope for our family during this difficult time. Together, we can remind him that he's not alone in this fight, give him the best possible chance at overcoming this illness and experiencing a brighter, healthier future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering love, prayers, and support.