Benjamen was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of childhood brain cancer, in September 2007 when he was only 20-months-old. He started losing his balance and was taken to see his pediatrician. That day a CT scan was performed and we were sent straight to Kosiar Children’s Hospital. He underwent 2 surgeries to have a tumor removed from his brain and then again to have a blood clot removed. Benjamen then started a very high dose course of chemotherapy. He relapsed after 5 cycles. He then underwent radiation to his cerebellum and proceeded with a bone marrow transplant.

Benjamen was in remission for only 3 months when he relapsed for the second time. We chose at this time not to proceed with treatment, but in December 2008 he was starting to be in a lot of pain, so we chose radiation to his cerebellum again. At this point we discovered he also had many tumors, not only on his brain, but on his spine as well. The tumors on his brain continued to grow rapidly, and in February 2009 he underwent total brain radiation with the hope of controlling the tumors. As of April 2009 the radiation has slowed some of the tumors down, but the pressure of the dying tumors causes Benjamen some pain and discomfort. He is now on a steroid for pressure and oral chemotherapy to help with the tumors in his spine until it is necessary to further his treatment in that area.

Benjamen is full of life. If he did not have the classic cancer patient look (no hair) and you did not know his story, you would never believe he is sick, much less dying from cancer. He loves life and learning new things. He loves going to church and singing. He has a smile that can change your mood in an instant. Benjamen has the ability to touch your life in a way that is indescribable. He does not verbally communicate with you much, but you never have a problem understanding what he saying, he talks with his facial features and his eyes. Benjamen is a blessing sent straight from heaven to us and will continue to be all the days of our lives!

Written by Jennifer Snyder, Benjamen’s Mommy
05/09