Ben's family are teaming up with Beat Nb through our Because of _____ program. Beat Nb is a national childhood cancer nonprofit which drives research into a cure for neuroblastoma. Learn more of how we are helping to cure childhood cancer.
Fund Brave Research Because of Ben
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Benjamin Stephens was born on June 4, 2016 to his proud parents, Justin and Andrea, and is the youngest of 4 children. His older sister and older brothers adore Ben, and he has completed their family. He is ornery, full of life, and is often found drawing in his parent’ walls with Sharpies. He loves balls, trains, and being outside, and his smile and joy is infectious.
On March 29, 2019, a chest x ray uncovered a mass of sorts near his lung, and a CT scan confirmed that it was a Neuroblastoma tumor on his spine near his heart. Ben had no symptoms, and aside from a fever that warranted the x ray to begin with, was a happy, healthy, rough and tumble toddler. The news that he had cancer was a total shock to his family and everyone who knew him.
Ben was officially diagnosed with Neuroblastoma on April 4, 2019 at 2 years 10 months of age. His parents consulted Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City about his diagnosis, and they decided to fly there for treatment. Ben had surgery on April 10th, 2019, which resulted in a complete resection of his tumor and the surrounding lymph nodes. One of the nurse practitioners who cared for him said that Ben recovered from surgery faster than any other child she had ever seen. He and his family were able to return home to West Virginia after only 7 days, and his pathology report came back clear of any lymph node involved, diagnosing him officially as Stage 1.
For now, no further treatment is needed or recommended for Ben, and his story is nothing short of miraculous. But, Because of Ben, his family wants to help other children who have had to endure so much more than he has had to. Before Ben’s diagnosis, his parents were totally blind to the world of pediatric cancer, and now, they feel it’s their responsibility to help BEAT this horrific disease and find a cure!!! Join us! 💜💛
