Support Ben Constable's battle with rare cancer
Baby Ben and the Constable family:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/benconstableandfamily
Well known to the South Bay community are the Constable's- Tim, Kelly and their three beautiful sons. Tim works at Chevron Refinery in El Segundo, and Kelly is now a stay-at-home mom to her stepson Jacob (11), Nathan (2) and Benjamin, who just turned 1 this past March!
As many of you know, this past week and a half has been an absolute whirlwind for Tim and Kelly, as their 1-year-old son Ben was suddenly admitted to CHLA, underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor, and subsequently diagnosed with a rare cancer.
A mother's instincts:
Some time leading up to June 9th, I remember Kelly expressing "something's just not right." Kelly started a daily, detailed log of Ben's behavior and eating habits and reached the point of bringing him to the pediatrician's office. Waiting to see how the appointment went, I unexpectedly got the text that she was driving Ben to CHLA.
X-rays showed that Ben was severely plugged up and would have an enema and tube inserted to clear him. After being admitted, doctors became concerned as he wasn't eating or drinking, and Tim and Kelly were hit with the news that he could possibly have fluid/tumor on his brain.
On June 11th, an MRI showed a tumor on Ben's brain and possibly on his spine. They were told that Kelly's daily notes helped the doctors tremendously and that he would undergo a 4-6 hour surgery the following day. Ben did great and the surgeon said he was able to remove 99.9% of the tumor (2.5 cm x 2.5 cmx 3 cm) and had to leave 2 tiny pieces that were very close to the stem. The next step was waiting for the pathology results- whether the tumor was benign or cancerous.
Baby Ben's present diagnosis:
My heart dropped when I got the text that Ben's tumor is in fact cancer. This cancer is called ATRT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor) and is a rare and aggressive cancer, growing on the tumor of the brain and spinal cord. Treatment is about 20 weeks of chemo and then radiation (beginning this Tuesday, June 23rd).
What this means for the Constable's:
As you can all imagine this has been an incredibly emotional week and a half for the Constables- being hit with one piece of news after the next, while in the meantime only seeing each other in passing. Because of COVID-19, no visitors are allowed and only one parent can be with Ben at a time. Thankfully, exceptions were made for Tim and Kelly to be together during the surgery, but as Kelly posted, they were only able to process the news of his cancer for 20 minutes together while a nurse kindly took Ben for a little walk.
So much is still to be determined for the next steps ahead and what life will look like as Ben begins chemo treatment, with addition to the complications of COVID-19 regulations.
How you can help:
It has been painful to say the least to watch my best friend walk through such a trial as this. I am still in shock and disbelief. But I have been humbled and amazed by the community of believers that have immediately surrounded Tim and Kelly. Cleaning their home, driving Kelly to and from the hospital, starting a meal train- talk about the church being the body of Christ!!! And so many people who don't even know the Constables personally have reached out through social media asking what they can do. The Constables have been overwhelmed by the love, prayers, and support by all of you.
Over the last few days, I've received many texts asking how to help, including a Gofund me sign up, so as of now here are some tangible ways to consider:
Medical costs: Thankfully, Tim has a great insurance plan through his work. But as we all know, bills will still appear that may not be covered, so it will be a huge blessing to alleviate additional costs.
Groceries, meals and gift cards: As of present, a meal train was started by their life group and Moms Inc. group. Any grocery items or gift cards, as well as restaurant gift cards would help them so much as they are commuting back and forth every other day to and from the hospital.
Also, I know Tim and Kelly would not ask for such things, so I will :) if there any additional creative ways that come to mind to bless the Constables, please do so! Whether that's some toys or activities for Nathan and Jacob, journals and activities Tim or Kelly can have on hand while at the hospital, etc.
Prayer: And above all else, please continue to pray!
James 5:13-16 "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Tim and Kelly have expressed seeing God's hand in the smallest details this past week, and we want to continue to lift them up in prayer, asking for supernatural comfort, wisdom, and clear direction for navigating the days ahead. When you pray, please remember the heartaches and questions that they are burdened with, mentioned in Kelly's most recent post:
"How will Tim keep his job that he loves and is gifted in during this time? How will I help Nathan continue to be the joyful boy that prefers to walk on his toes? How do we adjust to schedules to get time with Jacob? How do I keep my shoulder from getting too bad? Will Tim and I get any time together as a married couple? How do I praise the Lord while Ben goes through this?"
There is a long road ahead for the Constables, but we put our hope in Jesus who loves Ben and his family perfectly and holds them in His loving and caring hand. Thank you all so much for your support and coming around this family. They are overwhelmed with thankfulness.
We will keep you posted in the coming days and months!
Thank you