Benji’s Journey With Cancer: A Lifetime of Fighting

Benji’s incredible journey began before he was born. During prenatal testing, it was confirmed that he had Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects a child’s growth. As a result, after he was born, his doctors scheduled routine surveillance testing to monitor his condition.

At just 6 months old, his routine testing uncovered multiple Wilms tumors, a solid tumor cancer, in his abdomen. Since that diagnosis, Benji has endured multiple surgeries, three chemotherapy regimens, scans and a setback when the cancer returned.

Now, at age 4, cancer has been part of every chapter of his life.

Yet, he continues to endure his treatments with resilience and, most days, a smile. Benji is a sweet, active boy who is mature beyond his years. He loves sports, the color red, construction equipment and his black lab, Mudd. A daredevil at heart, he is thrilled when he is able to ride his dirt bike!

Benji has two older siblings, Bowen and Andi, who pray for him nightly, and a younger sister, Harley, who has never known Benji without his cancer fight. His family, extended family, friends and community have surrounded him with love, encouragement and prayer during the entire journey. And the Rally Foundation team has walked beside them from the beginning, offering support, comfort and opportunities for the family to take healing action through fundraising in Benji’s honor.

This experience has shown me that research is the greatest way to improve outcomes for children like Benji. Research gives kids fighting childhood cancer a better chance, not only to survive, but to do so with fewer long-term side effects. I'm incredibly grateful to Rally Foundation for making it possible for all of us to directly support the research that gives families like ours hope.

Reese, Benji’s dad

Each day in the U.S., 47 kids like Benji are diagnosed with cancer, and each one deserves the chance to grow up, chase dreams and live their life free from harmful, lasting side effects. But childhood cancer research continues to be severely underfunded. When you support Rally, you’re investing in hope. You’re helping fund the treatments of tomorrow, reducing harmful side effects and bringing us closer to cures.

Your support makes this possible. When you give, 93 cents of every dollar goes directly toward advancing Rally’s mission to fund that research.