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39 year old Phoenix Police Officer and Father of 4, Ben Denham needs your support!

Officer Denham has dedicated his life to public service. He has been a member of the Phoenix Police department for the last 15 years. Approximately 5 years ago Officer Denham was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease “Systemic Sclerosis” which is a rare form of Scleroderma. The term scleroderma literally means hard skin. But Scleroderma (also known as systemic sclerosis or SSc) is much more than a skin disorder. This disease severely affects other organs including joints, tendons, lungs, kidneys and digestive tract. Currently there is no cure for this disease and the treatment available only manages his symptoms.

For the last 5 years Ben has continued his duties on the streets by faithfully serving the public and departments needs while fighting the rapid changes from his disease. He has served side by side with other officers while struggling to overcome the debilitating changes in his body. As an act of selfless service Ben left a promising sales career to become a police officer and has never been one to ask for help. He is always the first person to help others in need whether on the streets, in his family or at his church.

Unfortunately, due to a significant medical misdiagnosis Ben’s health had taken a turn for the worse and has now placed him in a circumstance that he can no longer be completely self-reliant. In the last few weeks Ben was positively diagnosed with an even more rare disease “Polymyositis”. This is a chronic illness featuring progressive muscle weakness that results in severe arthritis, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and heart arrhythmias. Ben’s difficulty in swallowing and internal damage from Scleroderma has caused rapid weight loss, malnutrition and loss of muscle strength. Ben has lost more than 30 lbs in the last 3 weeks and now has partial movement of his right leg and left arm. Currently there is no cure for Polymyositis but the symptoms can be treated. Ben has been hospitalized for 3 weeks and is undergoing continuing medical care.

For his entire career Officer Denham has chosen to serve the public’s interest by protecting those in need. His main desire as a father and public servant is to be able to achieve his 20 years of service with the police department and up until 3 weeks ago Ben was still on the job performing his regular duties as an officer. By achieving the 20 years Ben and his family will be able to access pension and benefits that would otherwise not be available to them should he fall short of the time.

Ben is the father of 4 wonderful and talented children ranging in ages from 8 months to 17 years old. Just as most police officers around the country Ben has worked as many hours off-duty as he works on-duty to provide for his family. His most rewarding off-duty job is managing and serving the security of a local Jewish retirement facility. He loves and cares for the people he protects and serves. His sacrifice had afforded the opportunity for his wife Debbie to go back to school to obtain a teaching certificate as well as be the primary caregiver to their 4 children Mareena, Elijah, Maleeyah and Ronan. Officer Denham is well loved and respected by his peers and has been awarded and recognized with numerous commendations in the line of duty.

Due to Ben’s diagnosis and ongoing treatment he will need financial support to make it through the tough road ahead. While insured his out of pocket medical bills and co-pays are adding up quickly. Not to mention he is now unable to work his off-duty job that was already necessary to make ends meet. His desire is to get the treatment necessary to slow the progress of his diseases so that he can rehabilitate and return to work in order to finish the 20 year career of public service he started. He understands his physical limitations may prohibit him from returning to the street however, the department has opportunities to place Ben in a position that would allow him to function in his capacity while being a productive member of the Phoenix Police Department.

Currently Ben is under the care of some of the best doctors available and we would like to help him continue that care. 100% of any funds raised will be used towards Ben’s continuing treatment and rehabilitation. When out of the hospital Ben will need lifelong medical treatments including physical therapy, expert dieticians and massage therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Ben and his family are blessed to have the prayers, love and support of friends and family. Most importantly Ben is grateful for the unconditional love and grace shown by his Heavenly Father to finally receive the proper diagnosis. With this diagnosis he can now move forward and receive the proper care and treatment. Ben has faith in God that he will grant him the strength to return to work and provide for his family.

We know many people out there are struggling and there are many individuals with needs. Thank you for taking the time to read his story and we ask that you pray for Ben and his family as well as all those in need. With God, your prayers and support, Ben and his family know that anything is possible. Much love to all those who serve!

We have set up a Facebook page for updates or to send Ben a note of encouragement.

Please give Officer Denham a prayer and a share on facebook!

Organizer and beneficiary

Brad Denham
Organizer
Waddell, AZ
Benjamin Denham
Beneficiary

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