Ben McGhee's Celebration of Life Expenses

On Sunday afternoon early evening, we had a celebration of life for my son Benjamin Mark McGhee. On the time he found out he had cancer he had 33 days to live on this Earth. He had to endure test and pain that no one should ever have to. He didn't get to do things that he had wanted to do. He didn't get to travel to Ireland. Who is unable to play another game of golf. He didn't get to see Bobby graduate high school. Benjamin was unable to see his new nephew it was to be born in January. It was unable to get married to a beautiful girl and have children of his own. You see we all have dreams but those of us that are still here have chances to fulfill them. But God felt that it was time for Ben to go ahead and come home. I can sit here and be sad that my son was unable to fulfill these aspirations, or I could be thankful for the 35 and a half years he lived. I can remember the day was born, I can remember his first words, his first steps, the first day of school, even many of his teachers' names, but I don't want to forget these last 33 days either. I want to keep all the memories I have a bottle up inside of me. I want to be able to talk about him and tell people what kind of man he had grown up to be. I want a story to be told so that other people will go to the dermatologist and check on their skin and not fall into this. I'm going to tell my grandchildren about their uncle. I want to tell others about his kindness and his love for helping other people. We always talked about his love language was giving. He learned something about you and he makes sure he bought you or made you or gave you something that fit your personality and your interest. He was thoughtful and dependable as a son and as a friend and as an employee. Benjamin will be missed everyday and so many people's lives. But I know that I will see him again one day. ❤️

Last night my son went to heaven and today I learn to live without him. This is so hard to do compared to when I was planning his birth. I don't know how to fathom the amount of expenses that will come from the hospital and other bills, then add the funeral. We were not ready for this by any means.

If you knew Ben, he was always a giving soul. Today, his eyes will be donated for him to see again. I was told they would be going to a child or teenager. His legacy will live on.

Here is a photo of Ben on his birthday. He has wanted balloons to be given to him at school. His dad came during his recess and brought them. Ben had turned 5.

A week ago, my son Benjamin McGhee was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. This is something no one wants to hear, especially a mom, no matter the son's age. In shock, the realization of a simple mole removal turning into a major health crisis for a 35-year-old has made this mom heartbroken. Steps have been taken to have more tests as soon as we can with possible surgery, plus a series of immunotherapy treatments. Thankfully, he has been able to find health insurance, but with deductibles and time off work, bills will be a struggle without knowledge on the length of recovery/treatment.

Ben is the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He willingly gives his time and help to those he cares about, even if he has to go without to do it. At 18, he willingly gave up a lot to take care of his newborn nephew so I could work when I received custody of Bobby. I've seen him buy groceries for the homeless, drop everything to give a friend a ride, and do something special to make a friend smile.

Ben has always shown integrity and dependability. I know his friends and former employers can say the same.

Any donations to deter the medical and monthly expenses would be greatly appreciated. I believe in the power of prayer for Ben's healing and God has a purpose for this. May you be blessed.

Ben at 4 months old. He was my snuggler. He was always such a happy baby. This is one of my favorite photos.

Yesterday wasn't as happy for him. We saw the medical oncologist and she told him the cancer is also in his bones. He will be starting immunotherapy next Tuesday for 4 separate treatments. One every three weeks. Praying it will shrink the main tumor and where it has spread to other places so the doctor can remove the tumor that is protruding from his back and side which is causing immobility to just do every day things like tie his shoe or even sleep. He was given a pill for the nausea so he will be able to keep something down, however, it could be just the tumor pushing on his stomach. The pain was horrendous yesterday and they ordered stronger pain medicine. Right now this is probably the longest I know he has slept. 3 hours so he went into my room and fell asleep on my bed. Guess it shows that even at 35, your parent's bed can still be a place of comfort and safety.

It's been a long month and this makes a week now since he could drive and almost two weeks without being able to work. I'm having to leave work early to take him or just take the day off. Bills for the pet Scan and MRI have come today in the mail. We do not know how much he will need to pay for his deductible of the treatments. Radiologist even thinks been may need radiation as well. That would be five weeks of therapy, five days a week. I know the bills will pile up quickly.

Thank you for any prayers or financial assistance we are blessed to receive.

May you find favor in all you do and receive blessings for your generosity to my son at this time.