Ben’s Battle with Non-Hodgkin’s B Cell Lymphoma
Donation protected
Hi everyone. I’m Liz and I’m here to ask for help and support our family as we navigate through a difficult and scary situation.
My partner’s name is Bethany and on March 6th, 2024, she brought her 17 year old son, Ben, to Children’s Hospital for a CT scan because of some breathing issues and a persistent cough. The CT scan showed a large malignant mass on his heart and lungs and he was immediately admitted to the ICU. The following day he underwent a procedure where the doctors performed a biopsy and drained a large amount of fluid from around his heart. A drain was inserted in his abdomen to continue to drain the fluid. Yesterday, March 12th, 2024, the biopsy results showed Non-Hodgkin’s B Cell Lymphoma. We are still waiting for the subtype results and chemo is to start today to shrink the mass. He underwent a bone marrow biopsy and spinal puncture today as well. They attempted to perform a PET scan, but Ben is unable to lay flat for very long as it is hard for him to breathe with the pressure the mass puts on his left lung. He will remain in the ICU for the first few days of chemo for any potential complications and if all goes well, he will be able to move to a regular room and hopefully soon after that he will be able to go home and attend regular chemo treatments thereafter. We are asking for your prayers, positive energy and any donations you’re able to make to help contribute to finishing our basement where Ben’s bedroom is and where he loves to spend time playing PlayStation with his friends, watching movies and when he’s not sick, working out. We want to finish our basement to give Ben a sterile and comfortable environment to heal in. We’re also incurring travel, food and other expenses and having to take time off of work to be at the hospital and then back and forth after that for Chemo treatments. Ben’s Mother and Father have not left his side. He has a ton of emotional support.
Ben is in his senior year of high school. He is athletic, played soccer his whole life, works out, takes MMA classes and wants to go into the United States Air Force after high school. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this one of the sweetest, smartest and funniest young men you’ve ever met. We appreciate any and all support. ❤️
My partner’s name is Bethany and on March 6th, 2024, she brought her 17 year old son, Ben, to Children’s Hospital for a CT scan because of some breathing issues and a persistent cough. The CT scan showed a large malignant mass on his heart and lungs and he was immediately admitted to the ICU. The following day he underwent a procedure where the doctors performed a biopsy and drained a large amount of fluid from around his heart. A drain was inserted in his abdomen to continue to drain the fluid. Yesterday, March 12th, 2024, the biopsy results showed Non-Hodgkin’s B Cell Lymphoma. We are still waiting for the subtype results and chemo is to start today to shrink the mass. He underwent a bone marrow biopsy and spinal puncture today as well. They attempted to perform a PET scan, but Ben is unable to lay flat for very long as it is hard for him to breathe with the pressure the mass puts on his left lung. He will remain in the ICU for the first few days of chemo for any potential complications and if all goes well, he will be able to move to a regular room and hopefully soon after that he will be able to go home and attend regular chemo treatments thereafter. We are asking for your prayers, positive energy and any donations you’re able to make to help contribute to finishing our basement where Ben’s bedroom is and where he loves to spend time playing PlayStation with his friends, watching movies and when he’s not sick, working out. We want to finish our basement to give Ben a sterile and comfortable environment to heal in. We’re also incurring travel, food and other expenses and having to take time off of work to be at the hospital and then back and forth after that for Chemo treatments. Ben’s Mother and Father have not left his side. He has a ton of emotional support.
Ben is in his senior year of high school. He is athletic, played soccer his whole life, works out, takes MMA classes and wants to go into the United States Air Force after high school. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this one of the sweetest, smartest and funniest young men you’ve ever met. We appreciate any and all support. ❤️
Organizer and beneficiary
Lyzz Onan
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA
Bethany Vankirk
Beneficiary