Help Bentley's Family Through His Healing Journey

Bentley Update

We’re finally back home!

This week has been mentally and emotionally exhausting.

On Monday, a CT scan raised serious concerns, and we were sent back to Children’s. Thankfully, after more testing, the MRI from oncology came back clear.

But Bentley still had a large pseudocyst pressing on his stomach and small intestine. On Wednesday, they placed a stent to begin draining it.

The difference was immediate—Bentley finally had relief from the constant pain. He’s been able to rest, eat without getting sick, and get some much-needed sleep.

He’s now on several medications and antibiotics and has a long road ahead with more appointments, scans, and procedures coming up.

We’re incredibly thankful for all the love, support, and prayers.

Thank you for walking alongside us.

Bentley Update – Prayers Answered

The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind — but we’re so thankful to be able to share a hopeful update.

On Monday, Bentley began having unusual and intense pains. Trusting our instincts, we took him to Cumberland ER. A CT scan revealed a suspected pseudocyst and, even more terrifying, potential signs of peritoneal carcinomatosis, a rare cancer affecting the lining of the intestines.

We were urgently transferred to Minneapolis Children’s Hospital just after midnight for more advanced testing. On Tuesday, Bentley underwent an MRI — and we are so incredibly relieved to share that oncology found no signs of cancer.

While they will continue monitoring with future scans, this terrifying possibility has been ruled out for now — and we are beyond grateful.

The pseudocyst, however, has developed faster and more aggressively than expected. It is large and pressing on his stomach and intestines, which is causing him significant pain. On Wednesday, we’ll be meeting with the GI team to discuss the next steps. The likely plan is to place a drainage tube to help relieve the pressure and discomfort.

This continues to be a long and challenging journey, but Bentley’s strength is unmatched — and your love, support, and donations are helping us get through each step.

Because of you, we’ve been able to stay by Bentley’s side through transfers, testing, and treatment — without the added stress of how we’ll cover travel, time off work, or meals away from home.

We will continue to share updates as we learn more. Please keep Bentley in your prayers.

With love and endless gratitude,

Bentley’s Family

Bentley’s Recovery Update

Progress, Strength, and the Road Ahead

We’re so grateful to share that Bentley has made enough progress to be discharged from the hospital and is now home recovering—though under strict medical restrictions. This is a huge step forward and a testament to his strength and determination.

Since being home, he’s been following all his doctors’ orders and has had follow-up appointments, including bloodwork and additional testing. While we’re relieved to be home, we know the journey is far from over.

Bentley’s pancreas is still very inflamed, and getting that under control will take time and patience. Once the inflammation is down, he will need to undergo the following procedures:

 Percutaneous Drainage – To remove abnormal fluid buildup in his abdomen due to the trauma his body has endured.

 Surgery to Remove Damaged Pancreatic Tissue – This will help prevent further complications and allow healing.

 Gallbladder Removal Surgery – This will take place after the other procedures and recovery time.

This will be a slow and challenging process, but we are incredibly hopeful. Your support has helped us manage the financial strain from missed work, travel, and the extensive medical care Bentley has needed. As we face more appointments, surgeries, and recovery time, your continued prayers and support means the world to us.

Thank you for standing beside Bentley and our family through this. Every donation, share, and prayer has truly made a difference.

#BentleyStrong #HealingJourney

 Bentley’s Journey — Update 

Taking It One Step at a Time

We wanted to share a quick update on how Bentley is doing.

Over the past few days, Bentley has been able to eat a little and get up to move around — small but meaningful victories that give us hope.

On Thursday, the doctors shifted their focus to monitoring Bentley’s blood sugar levels and testing for possible diabetes. We’re relieved to share that all diabetes testing came back clear.

That said, many of his blood levels remain elevated, and he continues to run a fever. The care team is now discussing placing a nasogastric (NG) tube to help him receive essential nutrients — something his body is currently struggling to absorb on its own, despite his best efforts.

This journey is still far from over, and we’re taking it day by day. Each small step forward is a reminder to keep believing. As of Saturday, Bentley is showing gradual improvements, and the focus remains on nutrition while we wait for the inflammation in his pancreas to subside — a process that could take weeks.

The doctors have given Bentley daily goals to reach over the weekend.

• If he meets these goals, he may be able to continue healing at home under strict restrictions.

• If not, they will proceed with the NG tube, which will require continued close care at home to ensure he gets the nutrition he needs.

We are so proud of Bentley’s strength and continue to place our trust in God’s healing.

We are deeply grateful for your ongoing love and support. Your donations, prayers, and shares have allowed us to stay focused on what matters most — being here for Bentley.

Please keep the prayers coming — we truly feel them, and we know they’re working.

With love and gratitude,

Bentley’s Family

Help Bentley Fight – Support for His Healing Journey

Fundraiser for travel, meals, lost work, and ongoing medical expenses

Hi, my name is Jenn McNicholas, and I’m starting this GoFundMe on behalf of my 14-year-old grandson, Bentley Jon, who is currently facing a life-threatening battle with necrotizing acute pancreatitis — a condition that has kept him in the hospital since June 24, with at least 6 more weeks of hospitalization ahead.

His Story

Bentley’s illness came on suddenly and severely. What we thought was a stomach issue turned out to be pancreatitis caused by gallstones, which rapidly progressed into a dangerous and painful condition. Since being admitted to the ICU, Bentley has endured:

Severe abdominal pain

Fevers over 103°

Inability to eat or drink normally

Potassium transfusions

Continuous IVs

CAT scans, MRIs, and bloodwork

Countless sleepless nights

He’s now in a general hospital room, slowly making progress — but this recovery is long, complicated, and unpredictable. Some days he manages short walks or small meals. Other days, he’s overwhelmed by pain and exhaustion. His strength through it all has been nothing short of inspiring.

How This Has Impacted His Family

Bentley’s parents, Jordan and Josh, have not left his side. They've had to miss work, live out of bags, rely on hospital food, run their homes and care for their spouses & other children in a different state & juggle it all while trying to stay strong for Bentley. Every day brings new challenges — and new expenses:

Gas and long travel to the Twin Cities hospital

Meals away from home

Parking fees

Missed wages

Extra medical and comfort supplies

This GoFundMe will help ease their financial burden so they can stay focused where they’re needed most — by Bentley’s side.

How You Can Help

Any amount, big or small, will go directly toward:

Travel and parking expenses

Meals and basic needs during Bentley’s hospital stay

Lost wages from missed work

Medical-related costs not covered by insurance

A little peace of mind for a family going through the unimaginable

If you can't give right now, please share this fundraiser and keep Bentley in your prayers. We’ve already seen how much strength love and faith can bring. From decorated hospital rooms on the 4th of July to quiet moments of laughter, this family is holding on to every little moment of joy and every sign of progress.

Bentley is one of the strongest boys we know.

Let’s rally behind him and show his family they’re not alone.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you.