Ben left a loving wife and small son, as well as a brother, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Ben was our cousin. We miss Ben.
	This is Ben with his son Tyler.

         On January 9th, 2000, my cousin Ben died of complications from Leukemia. He was 24 years old, with a doting family, a wonderful wife, and a 5 year old son. In the beginning of 1998 Ben was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. His older brother Christopher was a bone marrow match, and in mid-1998 Ben had a successful transplant. In 1999, several days before Ben was to participate in a small biathlon, tests came back showing leukemia in his spine and brain. He missed the biathlon and went into the hospital instead. After months of painful surgeries and significant time in a coma, Ben let go and passed away. Leukemia had worn him down and ravaged his body.

         After Ben died, I wanted to curl up into the tightest, tiniest little invisible ball and hide away until I'd withered into a dust bunny. Like a piece of paper rolled for too long, it has taken every molecule in my being to uncurl and stand up. Now that I am standing, I am on a mission for my baby cousin Ben - FIND A CURE!

         Because of funding from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team in Training, Leukemia research is rapidly advancing. Check out our articles. Someday, someone else will be in the same position as Ben, and because of what Ben's doctors had the opportunity to learn from him, that person is going to live. What a wonderful gift. Leukemia, like all cancers, leaves people with a great sense of powerlessness. This is your chance to do something. Make a difference. Remember Ben. Your donation will fund not only research, but patient and family support services and public and professional education. 75% of your donation goes to these services, and 100% of it is tax deductible. Many employers will match donations. Ask YOUR employer to help find a cure.

Read about the adventures of FLAT BEN!