Support for Ben's cancer journey...

Dearest friends, acquaintances and colleagues…I’m Mikayla Campbell and I'm sad to share that my older brother, 39 year old Benjamin Campbell, has been recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer that has spread in abundance to his liver. He has two beautiful young daughters, 12 year-old Madallyn Grace, and 10 month-old Millie Margaret with long-term girlfriend Erin Haley.

Those of us who are blessed to know Ben know that he is a very dedicated first responder, a loving and devoted father, an absolutely hysterical, wholesome, compassionate, kind, and humbly hard-working man. To say this has been a distressing blow does not even begin to describe the sheer devastation it permeates for his family and the many who love him.

The past few weeks we have spent much time at Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Mass General/Brigham & Women’s where he has undergone Doctor consults and Oncologist appointments, testing, and scans. Most recently he had a port inserted in the chest, underwent a liver biopsy, and just a few days ago, completed his first of many scheduled chemo treatments.

The immediate outpouring of support was profoundly felt. It was proposed by a close family friend to start a GoFundMe page for all who wanted to help and show support for Ben, as he commences this arduous and challenging journey. I’m only his little sister, but he means more to me and our family than I could ever eloquently express. My parents, Bob and Susan Campbell are a formidable force of love, courage, and support, and their strength has been unwavering. With so many feeling a vast sense of helplessness realizing the many strenuous challenges that lie ahead has been most difficult, so I wanted to do something that felt earnestly helpful as his fight begins. (And I’d be lying if I didn’t want to atone for the sheer nuisance I caused him in our childhood.)

With a long and daunting road ahead, projected time off work, and vast medical expenses, my goal is to help relieve some of the financial burden so Ben is mentally free to focus on his treatment, his family, his emotional well-being, and his healing. It is my wish that this will make his strength a little stronger, his heart a little lighter and the journey a little easier.

For all who choose to help, I thank you in advance and may we all continue to live in faith, in hope and in gratitude.