Update from Ben’s Wife Ciara

Hello everyone,

We’ve taken a little time to process everything, but we wanted to share an update on Ben.

On January 14th, Ben had six grand mal seizures within a three-hour period. Within minutes of arriving at the hospital, he was placed into a medically induced coma. He remained in the coma from Wednesday night until Sunday afternoon, January 18th.

After waking, he was transferred from the ICU to the neuro floor, where he stayed from Monday through Friday, January 23rd. That day, doctors performed a biopsy on the parietal lobe of his brain. He spent another 24 hours recovering in the ICU and was discharged to come home on January 24th.

While Ben was in the hospital, doctors discussed several possibilities for what they were seeing. They initially considered a stroke but were not strongly leaning that direction. They also tested for a brain infection, but his spinal tap came back negative and there were no other signs of infection. The remaining possibility was a tumor, which is why the biopsy was necessary—to determine if it was benign or cancerous.

On February 2nd, we met with his neurologist for the first time. He prepared us for the possibility that the tumor looked cancerous, but we were still holding onto hope that the results might show it was benign.

On February 10th, we met with Ben’s neurosurgeon and received confirmation that Ben has a Grade 2 Astrocytoma brain tumor.

Since then, we have created a treatment plan. We met again with his neurosurgeon on February 26th and decided that surgery will take place at OHSU in Portland. His neuro-oncologist has also sent a referral to OHSU so Ben can meet with a cancer specialist there.

Next Wednesday, we will be traveling to Portland for additional appointments as we prepare to schedule his surgery.

Before the seizures, there were no clear warning signs or concerns about brain cancer. Everything changed in an instant. In a strange way, those seizures may have saved his life—because without them, this tumor could have continued progressing for years without being discovered.

We are staying hopeful. While this diagnosis is life-changing for anyone, we believe strongly in the future and look forward to the day when life can feel normal again. Until then, I will be by Ben’s side for every appointment, every hard day, and every step through surgery, recovery, and the treatments ahead.

And of course, I’ll keep him laughing—because luckily for us, dark humor is one of the best medicines.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out, supported us, and kept Ben in your thoughts and prayers. It truly means more than we can express.

Cancer of any kind is devastating. If you ever feel like something isn’t right with your health, please don’t put off getting checked. No one ever thinks it will happen to them, and it can come at any age.

#TeamBen

#BrainCancerAwareness

#FuckCancer

Organized by a dear friend to support Ben and his family during a sudden medical emergency.

Late Wednesday night, Ben’s life changed in an instant. Due to a sudden and severe medical emergency, Ben was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he remains as doctors work tirelessly to determine the next steps in his care. At this time, the road ahead is uncertain, and his family is facing each day with hope, fear, and unwavering love.

As Ben continues to fight, his family has been forced to put everything else on hold to be by his side. Between mounting medical expenses, ongoing household bills, childcare, and the unknown costs that may come with long-term care or recovery, the financial burden is quickly becoming overwhelming. With Ben unable to work and the future still unclear, the weight of these responsibilities has fallen heavily on his loved ones during an already devastating time.

We are asking for support to help ease the financial strain on Ben and his family so they can focus on what truly matters, his healing and recovery. Funds raised will go toward current and future medical bills, essential living expenses, and any unforeseen costs that may arise as his condition evolves.

Every donation, prayer, share, and message of support means more than words can express. Standing together as a community can make a meaningful difference for Ben and his family as they navigate this incredibly difficult chapter.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and continued support.