When Jeff and Carin Towne welcomed their first child, Benjamin Ward, into the world in the summer of 2005, they were overjoyed.  In the preciousness of their new baby lay the hope and wonder and limitless possibilities exemplified in a new life.  Ben grew into a fiercely determined, passionate, loving little boy.  Nothing could have prepared the family for Ben’s diagnosis of stage-4 high risk neuroblastoma shortly after his second birthday.  Ben underwent an intense course of treatment that included chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplant, radiation, anti-body therapy and more.  Ben was in remission in July of 2008, only to relapse catastrophically in October.  He died on December 30, 2008.

It’s hard to imagine anything more difficult than losing a child to cancer. Many parents, if faced with these circumstances, would have wanted to leave the realm of cancer and cancer treatment far behind them.  Jeff and Carin chose to channel their heartbreak and loss into something to help others.  They established Ben Towne Pediatric Cancer Foundation to fund world-class research that will ultimately change the way childhood cancers are treated.  In the words of Carin Towne, “We will be a voice for pediatric cancer research — a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves.”  I think I know where Ben’s determination, passion and love came from.  Until there is a cure, please join us in the fight to end childhood cancer.  To purchase ‘cabo’, click here.