Ben Sweeney

Hi, my name is Karla and I am a very close friend of Ben and Cheryl Sweeney. As many of you may know, Ben was diagnosed with lung cancer in February of this year. Ben did everything that was asked of him; chemo, radiation, immunotherapy and he was looking forward to the day when he could go back to the airport and finally fly his ultralight plane that he had worked so hard on. He fought so hard, but during this last stay at Providence St Joseph Hospital, he was told that the cancer had spread to both of his lungs and the tumor was pressing on his trachea, which severely hampered his ability to breathe. Ben lost his fight on August 21st surrounded by those that loved him.

Ben had to stop working unexpectedly due to his failing health and his daughter Samantha took unpaid leave from work for the last several months to help with all of Ben and Cheryl’s needs.

Unfortunately, his plan to donate his body to UCSF for cancer research could not happen due to a blood infection. This would have offset some of the costs of cremation, which now puts the financial burden on Cheryl. The funeral home will not proceed with the cremation until full payment is received. So I am reaching out on the family’s behalf, anything you can donate will help and is appreciated.

A celebration of Ben’s life is being planned for the near future.