A letter from Ben's Daddy
As I prepare to pen these words, I am nearly brought to tears at the remembrance of the incredible support my family received from people just like you when our son, Ben battled cancer. It was a long and devastating road made easier through selfless acts of kindness by others.
Within minutes of learning that Ben was dying and that we needed to get him to a larger hospital for life-saving surgery we packed him up and helped load him on a helicopter to be life-flighted away. Jennifer and I drove the 3 hour trek alone in the middle of the night, still stunned that this was happening to us.
I may not recall every word or conversation we had during that drive, but one, very brief exchange of words stands out to me, even to this day. We were sorting through an unorganized punch list of things that must be done with Elijah, our home, jobs and finances. You would expect this would be a long, drawn out talk, but it lasted about 30 seconds. "Family comes first, everything else we walk away from." We would sell everything, cash it all in and start from scratch in order to save our son and keep our family together through this.
About a week later, a colleague of Jennifer's called and said she was going to do whatever it took to pay our mortgage each month until we returned home - no matter how long it took. We were blown away. This may seem like a noble offer from someone with means; however this woman was from a small town in WV with limited means. Her strategy was simple, yet profound. She would assemble a team of people that would make small donations each month and collectively, would pay our house payment. There was no press, no back patting, no outward incentive at all. Only a good heart and a good plan. Why? She could see herself in our shoes.
As we prepare to step up our effort to assist every family in America facing childhood cancer I am excited and feel a bit overwhelmed. We are offering something that is really needed and has never been done before - an opportunity to turn tragedy into triumph. As I consider the financial crisis that some Americans are facing right now and the impact it may have on missions like ours I find myself thinking of that long drive through the night willing to do whatever it took for my little boy and my family.
The stakes are different now - but the lesson hasn't changed. While it isn't about me, it is about people - like you - who tonight will learn that their child is dying and needs help locating essential tools and resources to survive. If you were in their shoes - how important would the Childhood Cancer Network be to you?
This website has demonstrated how carefully thought out our current services and plan is. If you would like more information, please contact me personally and I will be happy to speak with you. I ask that you join our team by investing in the effort of the Childhood Cancer Network. Take a moment, click the donation tab and join us! Like our friend from WV, we must realize that no gift is too small - when we band together to help people - and children in need.
Gratefully,
Tom Bowen
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