Beat Cancer With Benji
Donation protected
On January 17, 2018, Benjamin Morris (Benji)--a funny, cheerful, and vibrant 3-year-old--was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma.
Benji, his parents, and three siblings were visiting family in Australia. They serve as missionaries with Reach-Global in Costa Rica, and during their home stay, Benji became severely ill with unexplained vomiting that began on December 10.
In late 2017, Benji was in and out of the ER, and then he spent one week in the hospital starting January 6. He was then transferred to Westmead Children’s Hospital, and the next day (January 14), he was admitted to the ICU where he underwent several tests and evaluations.
Initial scans showed a tumor at the base of Benji’s skull that was restricting his vision and causing headaches. It was also stopping the brain from sending messages to the rest of the body leading to a dangerously low heart rate.
A biopsy on January 17 gave the specific diagnosis: Burkitt's Lymphoma--a form of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Burkitt's is a type of cancer that starts in the immune cells and is considered the fastest growing human tumor. It can be fatal if not caught early.
Scans revealed that Benji’s cancer is also located in his tonsils, chest, and kidneys. He began intensive chemotherapy on January 18, the day after his diagnosis. The doctors expect treatment to last for up to eight months. We have hope for a successful treatment and complete recovery, but a long road lies ahead.
We know that the Morrises are surrounded by a community from all over the world that deeply cares about them. We're reaching out to friends, family, and people who feel prompted to please pray for Benji; his parents, Peter & Melanie; his siblings; the doctors, and all involved in his treatment and recovery. We believe, along with the Morris family, that the most practical thing you can do for them is to pray.
We have also provided an opportunity for those who would like to contribute financially to help cover the very unexpected and ever-mounting expenses related to Benji's treatment.
We are working to raise $50,000 by February 28 to help Benji and his family. The funds will cover medical bills, housing, meals, and other unplanned expenses they are incurring during this time.
If you'd like to receive updates about Benji's progress, we will post updates at his Caring Bridge website.
Thank you for reading about Benji, praying for him, and supporting the Morrises.
About me: My name is Caroline Lee, and I'm from Fairfax, Virginia. I've known the Morrises for over 10 years and am part of the team of original supporters that sent them on their ministry to Costa Rica. The funds raised through this gofundme will be used as outlined in the summary above - to cover medical bills, housing, meals, and other unplanned expenses the Morrises are incurring during this time.
Benji, his parents, and three siblings were visiting family in Australia. They serve as missionaries with Reach-Global in Costa Rica, and during their home stay, Benji became severely ill with unexplained vomiting that began on December 10.
In late 2017, Benji was in and out of the ER, and then he spent one week in the hospital starting January 6. He was then transferred to Westmead Children’s Hospital, and the next day (January 14), he was admitted to the ICU where he underwent several tests and evaluations.
Initial scans showed a tumor at the base of Benji’s skull that was restricting his vision and causing headaches. It was also stopping the brain from sending messages to the rest of the body leading to a dangerously low heart rate.
A biopsy on January 17 gave the specific diagnosis: Burkitt's Lymphoma--a form of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Burkitt's is a type of cancer that starts in the immune cells and is considered the fastest growing human tumor. It can be fatal if not caught early.
Scans revealed that Benji’s cancer is also located in his tonsils, chest, and kidneys. He began intensive chemotherapy on January 18, the day after his diagnosis. The doctors expect treatment to last for up to eight months. We have hope for a successful treatment and complete recovery, but a long road lies ahead.
We know that the Morrises are surrounded by a community from all over the world that deeply cares about them. We're reaching out to friends, family, and people who feel prompted to please pray for Benji; his parents, Peter & Melanie; his siblings; the doctors, and all involved in his treatment and recovery. We believe, along with the Morris family, that the most practical thing you can do for them is to pray.
We have also provided an opportunity for those who would like to contribute financially to help cover the very unexpected and ever-mounting expenses related to Benji's treatment.
We are working to raise $50,000 by February 28 to help Benji and his family. The funds will cover medical bills, housing, meals, and other unplanned expenses they are incurring during this time.
If you'd like to receive updates about Benji's progress, we will post updates at his Caring Bridge website.
Thank you for reading about Benji, praying for him, and supporting the Morrises.
About me: My name is Caroline Lee, and I'm from Fairfax, Virginia. I've known the Morrises for over 10 years and am part of the team of original supporters that sent them on their ministry to Costa Rica. The funds raised through this gofundme will be used as outlined in the summary above - to cover medical bills, housing, meals, and other unplanned expenses the Morrises are incurring during this time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Caroline Lee
Organizer
Fairfax, VA
Peter Morris
Beneficiary
