Benjamin is a fun loving athletic kid who was having persistent headaches January of this year. Once the opthalmologist looked behind his eyes, he realized Ben had increased intracranial pressure. He was sent for immediate CT, which showed a tumor that ended up being a medulloblastoma. Decisions were made quickly and he needed surgery soon to relieve the pressure building up. Surgery went well, however he developed a known side affect of this surgery, posterior fossa syndrome which left him with one sided weakness and speaking difficulties. He has struggled through rehab and is making progress. He was also diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency which slowed his progress. He completed proton beam radiation and starts chemotherapy over the summer. Although very confusing and difficult to come to terms with what has happened to him, he and his loving, strong family have been incredibly focused on battling this cancer to the utmost! I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award. He has a long way to go. Faith, strength, love and hope are keeping him going.