Help a Funny Guy Conquer Cancer
Donation protected
This is Ben Costello. 
Ben is every bit as goofy as he looks! He’s also an amazing writer, dedicated father, hard worker, generous, caring friend, loving brother, relentless flirt, natural comedian and professional fundraiser – for the causes of others. He is always the one making everyone else laugh, buoying their spirits. Even when his own spirit needs boosting.
Now he needs our help.
In April, Ben was diagnosed with leukemia. At that time, his well-meaning, experienced doctors took a “watch and wait” approach to his care, which, as one might guess, turned out to be a very bad idea.
In September, Ben learned that he actually has both leukemia and lymphoma, in addition to several other serious illnesses, including diabetes. Further, doctors determined that Ben suffered a heart attack sometime within the previous 3 months, and he has rheumatoid arthritis (another new discovery), which causes significant joint pain and fatigue. Through it all, Ben continued to work, all the while maintaining his humor and positive attitude.
When Ben shared his diagnosis with family and friends, he was overwhelmed by the love and support he received. He underwent a surgery in early September to remove an enlarged lymph node from under his right arm. Doctors had intended to remove additional nodes (several even larger), but he had lost too much weight (102 lbs. at that point) and was too compromised to survive so invasive a procedure.
Thankfully, he did survive! And he continues to be a blessing to those of us who treasure him. He’s a modest guy who never “wants to put anybody out,” so while he’s great at dozens of things, he’s TERRIBLE at asking for help.
So I’m here to ask for him.
Ben is one of my closest friends, and while I have no experience with organizing this type of fundraiser, I pray that this effort is a help to him during this difficult time.
His physicians have ordered him to file for disability, but his case has just slogged through the system with no monies received to date. He has completed 6 chemo treatments so far (12 more to go) and is slowly improving. But the bills continue to pile up, and meeting his basic living expenses is obviously a serious challenge. One that causes chronic worry, bouts of panic and sleepless nights.
That’s where we come in. There are 14 days until Halloween. If we can get 500 people to donate $14, Ben will have a cushion that will enable him to get out of crisis mode and concentrate on fighting this illness with all he’s got.
There may be a need for additional monies later (scroll down to see some of the staggering costs he’s up against), but for now, we are working on this quick “mini goal.”
So far, Ben’s chemotherapy drugs have enabled him to keep his shiny mane of Silver Fox hair! (See profile shot of Ben and his son, Eddie, several years back.)
So we don’t actually want him to shave his HEAD. Instead . . .
As a special, scary(!) treat for Halloween, Ben will shave both of his legs when we achieve our goal - 500 donations of $14 (or more).
Please consider donating to help this generous, funny guy kick cancer’s butt! $14 is requested, but a donation in any amount is sincerely appreciated.
If you are unable to donate at this time, your prayers and words of encouragement and inspiration are greatly appreciated. Ben, along with his family and friends, thanks you. We’ll keep you posted!
God bless.
Ben is every bit as goofy as he looks! He’s also an amazing writer, dedicated father, hard worker, generous, caring friend, loving brother, relentless flirt, natural comedian and professional fundraiser – for the causes of others. He is always the one making everyone else laugh, buoying their spirits. Even when his own spirit needs boosting.
Now he needs our help.
In April, Ben was diagnosed with leukemia. At that time, his well-meaning, experienced doctors took a “watch and wait” approach to his care, which, as one might guess, turned out to be a very bad idea.
In September, Ben learned that he actually has both leukemia and lymphoma, in addition to several other serious illnesses, including diabetes. Further, doctors determined that Ben suffered a heart attack sometime within the previous 3 months, and he has rheumatoid arthritis (another new discovery), which causes significant joint pain and fatigue. Through it all, Ben continued to work, all the while maintaining his humor and positive attitude.
When Ben shared his diagnosis with family and friends, he was overwhelmed by the love and support he received. He underwent a surgery in early September to remove an enlarged lymph node from under his right arm. Doctors had intended to remove additional nodes (several even larger), but he had lost too much weight (102 lbs. at that point) and was too compromised to survive so invasive a procedure.
Thankfully, he did survive! And he continues to be a blessing to those of us who treasure him. He’s a modest guy who never “wants to put anybody out,” so while he’s great at dozens of things, he’s TERRIBLE at asking for help.
So I’m here to ask for him.
Ben is one of my closest friends, and while I have no experience with organizing this type of fundraiser, I pray that this effort is a help to him during this difficult time.
His physicians have ordered him to file for disability, but his case has just slogged through the system with no monies received to date. He has completed 6 chemo treatments so far (12 more to go) and is slowly improving. But the bills continue to pile up, and meeting his basic living expenses is obviously a serious challenge. One that causes chronic worry, bouts of panic and sleepless nights.
That’s where we come in. There are 14 days until Halloween. If we can get 500 people to donate $14, Ben will have a cushion that will enable him to get out of crisis mode and concentrate on fighting this illness with all he’s got.
There may be a need for additional monies later (scroll down to see some of the staggering costs he’s up against), but for now, we are working on this quick “mini goal.”
So far, Ben’s chemotherapy drugs have enabled him to keep his shiny mane of Silver Fox hair! (See profile shot of Ben and his son, Eddie, several years back.)
So we don’t actually want him to shave his HEAD. Instead . . .
As a special, scary(!) treat for Halloween, Ben will shave both of his legs when we achieve our goal - 500 donations of $14 (or more).
Please consider donating to help this generous, funny guy kick cancer’s butt! $14 is requested, but a donation in any amount is sincerely appreciated.
If you are unable to donate at this time, your prayers and words of encouragement and inspiration are greatly appreciated. Ben, along with his family and friends, thanks you. We’ll keep you posted!
God bless.
Organizer
Sandy Henry
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA