Here’s a little bit of Bens Story:

BACKGROUND

On Friday 2 June 2017, during a normal day teaching at Rosary Park Catholic School in the HunterL Valley, NSW, Ben felt numbness in his right shoulder, arm and hand. The unusual numbness continued throughout the day. That evening, Ben’s concerned wife, Laurenn, insisted he go to the Emergency Department at Maitland HospitaBen is 39, fit, and otherwise healthy.

That same evening, Ben underwent various emergency tests, including a CAT scan. Later that night, they received the devastating news that Ben had a large tumour on the front left-side cortex of his brain. It was the size of a golf ball. Further scans and histo-pathology tests undertaken revealed that the tumour was a IDH Wildtype

Glioblastoma grade IV, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

Ben and Laurenn married in 2013, and have two beautiful children, Charlize (3) and Lleyton (1). Despite this sudden and life-changing diagnosis, and while many of us would feel overwhelmed, Ben and Laurenn have remained extremely positive and determined to do everything possible to beat the cancer. Indeed, only one day after his diagnosis, Ben commented, “It’s not all bad, at least I get a free haircut!”

A week later, on 8 June 2017, Ben underwent surgery to remove the brain tumour. Whilst the removal process was a success, part of the tumour remains.

Ben has just completed six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Calvery Mater Hospital, Waratah, NSW. While these treatments may help to shrink and delay regrowth of the cancer, they are not a cure.

New drugs which help to boost the body’s natural immune system are currently being trialled, primarily in the US and Europe. Ben is hoping to travel overseas in the near future to seek these new treatments.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Fundraising has begun to support Ben and give him other treatment options. At present there are a number of fundraisers happening between Branxton, Gundagai, Sydney and Newcastle. This page will endeavour to share all the fundraising efforts and keep everyone updated on Ben's journey.

The best way you can help Ben is to support the fundraising and to help to raise awareness. Sharing the events though social media or email is a great way to get the message out there.

The response so far for Ben has been utterly overwhelming. We can't thank everyone enough for their generosity, support and kindness.