Ben and Sydney

Ben Ahumada is a long-term HIV and cancer survivor who was hospitalized with severe hip pain recently. After a week of testing, a bacterial infection was detected and he had emergency surgery to drain fluid from his hip. He is slowly recovering although he continues to be tested for other causes as the infection may not be the only source of his pain.

During his hospital stay, his dog Sydney was left with friends who are florists. As reported on NBC Bay Area Channel 11 , their shop was held up at knifepoint last Saturday and, in their panic, all the robbers took was Sydney.  A couple of hours later she was found on the street and returned.

Yesterday he received news his sister in Houston died unexpectedly.

Obviously, Ben has had a tough time of it lately. We’re hoping to give him a little peace of mind by taking care of some of the unexpected financial challenges he’s been dealt that will not be covered by the disability checks he lives on.



This fundraiser is to help Ben care for Sydney while he is hospitalized; when he is transferred to rehabilitation to regain use of his left leg; and, especially for the first few weeks at home as he makes the transition back to his third floor walk-up apartment.


Funds will also be used to repair and maintain his pickup truck which he will rely on more heavily as his mobility increases. And some money will go to the medical and homecare expense associated with the long recovery he’s facing.

Ben is extremely devoted to his dog and misses her terribly. The quicker they are reunited the better his prognosis will be.

Thank you for your consideration.