This GoFundMe is being monitored and run by the family of Michelle and Ben Sanchez at their request.

Ben and Michelle met two years ago during a time when neither was expecting to find love. However, either faith or the universe had something else in mind. One date turned into many, and last year the two were engaged at the beautiful Oregon Gardens. In a sweet moment after Ben proposed, Michelle pulled out a ring that had been in her pocket waiting for the perfect moment for a proposal of her own. Each catching the other by surprise. It truly was romantic. Over the last two years their family has had the amazing experience of watching their story as it is being written - and the honor of seeing them be married in a quiet elopement with the plan of having a larger wedding after COVID has calmed down. Most who know Ben and Michelle know there are no two people more deserving of the great love story that they have found in their time together. Which makes setting up this GoFundMe all that more important. If you are taking the time to read this, even if you can’t donate please know that it is so appreciated by Ben and Michelle.

If you know Ben, you know that he is a kind, creative, humble person, and it is always reflected in his life and in the way that he treats his family, his students, and even strangers. If you know Michelle you know that she exudes strength and resilience and is one of the hardest working people we know. However, very recently, during a routine checkup, Ben’s doctor noticed something that led to them discovering and diagnosing Ben with prostate cancer. Over the last month, there have been many appointments, tests, and meetings with an oncologist to establish that the cancer is treatable (thank goodness!) as well as figure out what the next steps were going to be. On November 19, 2021. Ben had successful surgery to remove as much cancer as possible. Things went better than expected and he is now home recovering with his family by his side. But this is not the end of the journey. Ben still needs to undergo continuing treatment over the next year to make sure that he is cancer-free. The money raised in the GoFundMe will be used to pay medical bills, replace lost wages so Michelle can attend appointments with Ben, and take some of the financial burdens that come with cancer off. This will allow them both to focus on Bens healing and hopefully gain back some of the love and joy that every couple should experience while newlywed.