Medical Funds for Ben Cousens

We would like to introduce you to our dear friend Ben. Ben is one of those individuals who loves big and shows up big for his people. Actually, he shows up big for everyone. He's kind, generous, selfless, fills the room with his personality, makes a mean cup of tea, is very observant and is usually the first person to notice when someone needs a hug or a chat. He can encourage a smile out of everyone, even strangers, with his quick wit and his kind, tender heart. He treats his body with care by eating well and visiting the gym daily for a workout. He has a strong Faith in God and an extremely positive outlook on life. Need a pep talk? Ben is your person.

Ben is 31 years young, but an old soul.

Ben married an incredibly special person, Alicia, in September 2018. Alicia is a surgical nurse at a Hospital in Michigan, USA and she is the epitome of a nurse - selfless, helpful, caring, and a true mama bear. Ben and Alicia lived in Ontario, Canada when they were first married, and then moved back to Michigan, USA where Alicia was originally from in December 2020, where they currently reside.

In February 2023 Ben started to not feel well. A few weeks passed and he went to the hospital on March 13 to get checked out, thinking that perhaps he had a kidney stone. Ben had some tests done and the doctor returned to the room where Ben and Alicia were waiting and informed them that there were innumerable amount of nodules on his lungs. With further testing on March 14, a very large mass was found in his lower back as well as a mass on his testicle.

This news was so shocking to Ben and Alicia that they initially thought the doctor had come to the wrong room and updated the wrong patient. Alicia was 33 weeks pregnant with their first baby when they were informed that Ben had cancer.

Ben was immediately hospitalized and had surgery on March 15th to remove a testicle. This surgery was successful and he was admitted to the oncology unit on March 16th. Prayers in Ontario, Michigan, California, and beyond went out for God to guide the surgeon's hands during this procedure, and those prayers were answered.

Ben started an aggressive chemotherapy schedule (4 rounds) on March 22 to attempt to reduce the size of the tumour in his back. He remained in hospital until March 28th at which time he was permitted to go home and attend his chemotherapy at a local Infusion Clinic for the next 2 months.

In early May Ben and Alicia welcomed a healthy baby boy into their family. A beautiful new life brought into the world during an incredibly challenging time in their life.

Ben has had a consult with an Oncologist at Indiana University School of Medicine who created the protocol for all testicular cancer treatment done around the world. This Oncologist has recommended that the mass in Ben's back be removed at the medical facility in Indiana by the surgeon there, as he is the expert in performing this type of surgery. No date for surgery has been scheduled yet.

Ben had his last scheduled dose of chemotherapy on June 5th when he received a call that his blood counts were very low and needed a blood transfusion in the ER. While in the ER he was admitted to the hospital where he then developed abdominal pain which was a symptom of chemotherapy-induced inflammation and infection of his blood and bowel.

He was admitted to the ICU on June 6th where he continues to be monitored closely 24/7.

Right now, things are day-to-day for Ben and his family. If Ben's cancer lab work does not improve, it will delay the surgery on the mass on his back and he will need another very high dose of chemotherapy, more aggressive than the last round. He would need to be admitted to the hospital, and require transfusions and additional medical support to go along with the chemotherapy.

We hope and pray that Ben will move through this most recent hurdle quickly so that he can continue with the cancer treatment and receive the required surgery to remove the mass on his back.

Throughout all of this, Ben's Faith has continued to remain strong, trusting that God has a plan and that this current journey he is on is part of God's Will.

Ben has always led his life by looking at how he can bring Glory to God, and he continues to do that through this trial.

Ben's favourite Bible verse is found in Isaiah 6:8 "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me".

How does Ben live this verse? He is always ready and willing to serve others and to do God's will. He is a true disciple of Christ.

Throughout this cancer journey, Ben and Alicia have and will continue to incur many medical and day-to-day expenses. Relieving financial stress is one way that support can be given to this beautiful family.

We thank you for reading and for your consideration in helping.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:7