Support Ben's Fight Against Leukaemia

Hey everyone,

My name is Kaitlin, and I’m reaching out for help for my big brother, Ben. Recently, our lives were turned upside down when we found out that Ben, who’s just 30 years old, will be spending his 31st birthday in hospital after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of leukaemia called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) - ETL subtype. This has come at an especially difficult time for our family, as our dad has recently been diagnosed with a serious, rare and lifelong heart condition, which forced him into medical retirement.

Anyone who knows Ben knows how fiercely independent he is. He’s always been the kind of person who handles things on his own and never asks for help, no matter how tough things get. He’s hardworking, self-sufficient, and never one to complain—but always the first to be there for others. Despite his recent diagnosis, his attitude has been positive, and he sees this as an opportunity to inspire others and to motivate himself through this challenge. He’s also kept his unique sense of humour and has already started planting the seed of aspirational goals for once he beats cancer, like finishing an Ironman triathlon. But sadly, the reality is that this is going to be an incredibly tough battle—one that will be measured in years, not months.

One of the biggest current challenges Ben is facing is that he lives interstate in Melbourne, far away from most of his family and friends. Being in hospital without having his usual support network close by just makes it that much harder. We’re doing everything we can to be there for him, but it’s tough knowing he’s going through so much without his loved ones right by his side.

What makes this even harder is that Ben has always been someone who prioritises his health and fitness. He was on the Australian swim squad when he was 18 years old and has completed multiple half Ironman triathlons since then. Just before his diagnosis, he was setting his sights on completing his first full Ironman triathlon. The sudden adjustment from being so fit and active to being bedridden has been incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally.

This has also come at a really difficult time in his professional career. He was in the process of pursuing an exciting opportunity that he had been building towards for a long time. Now, facing such a cruel and unexpected diagnosis has completely changed his world.

The doctors have told us that his leukaemia is exceptionally rare and also challenging to treat, and he will need a bone marrow transplant along with ongoing aggressive chemotherapy. The journey ahead is going to be long and full of challenges, and I know that Ben is already worried about how he’s going to cope financially, especially when he’s not able to work. He has now used up almost all his sick leave and unfortunately does not have any income protection insurance and the truth is, we don’t know if or when he’ll be able to return to work.

I’m starting this fundraiser because I just want to take away some of that financial stress so that Ben can focus on getting through treatment and recovery. There are so many significant and unexpected costs that have arisen and will continue over the coming months and years—out of pocket medical treatment, relocation and travel costs, temporary accommodation near hospitals, ongoing therapy, and just the basics of getting by whilst he has no income. It’s a confronting reality for someone who has always worked so hard and taken care of himself.

If you’re able to help in any way, whether it’s donating (no matter how small) or just sharing this page, it would mean a lot to us. Knowing that he has support behind him would make a huge difference in helping him get through this. We will donate any unused funds to the Leukaemia Foundation.

Thank you so much for reading and for being there for Ben. Thanks also to all of you have already donated, your kindness and generosity mean more than we can put into words.

With love and gratitude,

Kaitlin McDermott