John and Erik

This fundraiser is for my brother Erik Benko and nephew John Benko to help raise money for medical bills. Even with insurance coverage, medical costs continue to pile up for Erik, John and Nicole who have suffered one medical complication after another over the last 7 years since John was born. John underwent multiple surgeries in the first 5 years of his life for gastric and urinary issues which required specialist care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Erik started in November of 2020 with an earache and infection that progressively worsened until he was 100% deaf and had to undergo a cochlear implant. During this period he suffered from hearing loss he also had trouble with balance issues due to the negative effects on his inner ear, causing multiple falls. Due to his multiple falls, Erik, unfortunately, had to undergo cervical spine surgery, as well as multiple injections into his lower back to improve function and mobility. Most recently since the fall of last year, he has had to spend three weeks in the hospital for blood poisoning and surgery on his ankle to remove infectious tissue.

Nicole was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in December 2021. Her treatment course has included, chemotherapy, radiation, as well as mastectomy and preparation for reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately, her cancer has spread and she spent most of the last month admitted to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix due to multi organ failure. She was not improving with her course of treatment and was discharged from the hospital Wednesday, June 28th to go home with Hospice and passed away 7/7/2023.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated to help with medical bills as well as living expenses due to the significant hardship Erik and John have undergone. We appreciate everyone’s love and support and hope you can find it in your heart to help our family in this time of need.