Help Support G. Brian Benson’s Heart Surgery Costs

This is the most humbling ask of my life and I don’t ask lightly. My pride is taking a huge back seat as I have always tried to be the strong one and the one that was there for others. But I could use your help now.

I need open-heart surgery to patch a congenital hole and replace my mitral valve which is leaking. While my heart is strong, currently the blood isn’t flowing very efficiently through my heart. It came as a big and unexpected shock, especially after having to go through, beat, and recover from prostate cancer a few years back. I didn’t quit then, and I won’t quit now. My diagnosis was established during an 8 day stay in the hospital in early December after a near fainting episode at the gym. After going through every cardio test in the book, they found the issues.

It mortifies and rattles me that I have to ask for financial assistance in this way. Unfortunately, my 8-day hospital stay and cardio tests in December were partially out of my insurance’s network and the bills are substantial. The upcoming surgery scheduled for March 21st and approximate 11-day hospital stay post-surgery are now in network, but are still going to be considerable with the high deductible and cap. After surgery, I am looking at an approximate 3-month recovery period where I will need some assistance. This comes at a tough time as I just finished taking care of the medical bills for my cancer surgery and care. It’s been hard to move forward and stay on top of it all.

For those of you who don’t know me, my life has been dedicated to creating and sharing positive media that is thought-provoking and empowering, ever since I told my mother at the age of three, “I was put here to inspire people.” I have luckily been able to do this through children’s books, self-growth books, TEDx presentations, podcasts, spoken word, video, film, and coaching. There has been nothing more rewarding than for me than to create, share, contribute, support, and relate with others. All fuel for my soul.

What’s been frustrating about my situation is that I have always tried to live a healthy lifestyle. I am grateful for the years of being involved in the sport of triathlon and finishing four Ironman distance races. It became a source of pride and a wonderful life-style early on that taught me many valuable lessons. I also accomplished my dream of riding my bicycle across the United States to support a fundraiser, which allowed me to expand my capacity for sharing and helping others. It ranks as one of the highlights of my life, second only to the relationship I have with my son.

Now for the big ask. I am needing to raise $35,000 and every little bit helps and is appreciated. The money will be put to excellent use and support me with managing the mountain of expenses accumulating. It will be used to pay off my 8-day (partially out of network) hospital stay and cardio tests in December, my upcoming open-heart surgery scheduled for March 21st (to replace my mitral valve and patch a congenital hole), my approximate 11-day hospital stay post-surgery, for any assistance/special care I may need after I get out of the hospital, and for a few months of support until I get back on my feet and am able to work. I won’t be able to drive for a month and can’t lift anything for 8 weeks.

Your help would mean the world to me and keep me from being buried financially like I was a few years ago from my cancer experience. I know a lot of folks are going through tough times currently and I am incredibly grateful for your support, prayers, and positive vibes that will help me get back on my feet much sooner to continue to create and share! I will definitely keep everyone updated to let you know how things are going.

3 ½ years ago prostate cancer didn’t get me down and open-heart surgery won’t either! I am a fighter and my hopes and dreams going forward are to continue to share positive media in a large way. I am currently in the beginning process of trying to make my children’s book character Steve the Alien, into a positive cartoon for grade school age children. Cross fingers!

It would also mean a lot if you could please share this message with your community. Once again, I kindly ask you for your help.

Sincere thanks,

Brian