Every community needs a Ben, whether it be your neighborhood  or a group of friends, you need someone who can bring positivity and encouragement,  to everyone else with a word or a smile,  that person is Ben. Ben works at Krogers and he always finds time to love and support those around him.

When Ben was 13 severe headaches sent Ben to the ER. They did a CAT scan and a MRI. A mass was discovered  on his brain. He was immediately transported to Children's Hospitals.  He was diagnosed with a diffused astrocytoma grade 11. The plan was to monitor him closely with MRI's every three months,  to keep an eye on the tumors growth. When he was 15 he started to experience seizures.  It was determined that the tumor should be removed because it was causing the seizures.  When they opened him up it was discovered that the tumor was really close to his speech, so they had to do a mapping of his brain before they could operate. Once they mapped his brain they knew they couldn't take out all of the tumor but they were able to remove alot of it. When they got the pathology report back it showed that the tumor was malignant.  Ben was put on medication for etepilepsy and has been monitored closely for more tumor growth. Early in 2019 his family noticed Ben's speech and words finding was getting worse. He was also losing his balance.  Another MRI in April 2019 showed the cancer growing and spreading. In May 2019 Ben underwent an awake craniotomy. They needed him to be able to talk to them while they operated, to make sure they didn't get too close to his speech. Doctors felt pretty good with getting out alot of the tumor.  But the check up 3 months later showed more growth. Then this past February another MRI showed significant growth and spreading.  The cancer is now a grade 111. Ben is having alot if difficulty with his speech and memory. It has been determined if they remove any more cancer surgically that  Ben will lose his ability to speak. It has been decided that Ben needs to undergo Radiation  and Chemotherapy  treatments.  He will start Radiation on March 23, 2020 for 6 weeks. After he finishes Radiation  he will do Chemotherapy every 6 weeks for the next year.

Ben and his family are inneed. Ben will be traveling to Columbus everyday for treatment. Ben and his family will be missing alot if work. Ben will continue working at Krogers.  While we don't know  the extent of the financial burdens this will bring, we do know that the need is great. And they could hugely benefit from having the financial support so they can use as needed.  Any support given will extremely appreciated. 

Ben continues to laugh, smile. Nothing has changed his incredible spirit. Ben and his family are on this journey whether it be through prayers, meals, cards, or this donation page.  This means alot for Ben and his family.  

Thank you!

Friends of Ben Adkins. His parents Ron and Tamny Adkins.