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Fight like a kid

 

Tune in during the Results Radio Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon presented by Jerry’s Auto Sales on March 22 and 23, and hear inspiring stories of local kids like Ben Wieman.

On his 7th birthday, Ben Wieman was supposed to be home in Madison, S.D., celebrating his special day with friends and family. Instead, he was in a hospital bed at Sanford Children’s undergoing treatment for leukemia.

Just two weeks earlier, Ben woke up with a headache, fever and stomach pain. Later that day – after an ambulance ride to Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls and seeing a stream of doctors – Ben was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“The night after he was diagnosed was the longest ever,” said Ben’s mom, Carrie Wieman.

Since that day, Ben’s been fighting his cancer hard, like a kid.

“Ben has taken all of this in stride,” Carrie said. “Nothing stops him.”

Ben spent the next 24 days in the hospital, including his birthday, but thanks to Sanford Children’s Cure Kids Cancer donors, his stay was the best it could be.

They helped purchase lifesaving equipment and technology, assisted the family with costs not covered by insurance and supported the Child Life Specialists, who threw Ben a WrestleMania-themed party – celebrating his all-time favorite sport.

“They have made our lives a lot easier,” Carrie said. “We just know that they’re behind us, supporting us, all the time.”

Ben recently celebrated his 8th birthday, this time he got to be at home. He has another year of active treatment followed by two years of maintenance. After that, the Wieman family hopes he’ll have the all clear.

For Ben, the best news has already come. He can start wrestling again!

“Ben is so happy and active. He really is an amazing boy,” Carrie said. “We feel so blessed, because he makes this journey easy.”

You can make a difference for even more kids like Ben when you tune in during the Results Radio Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon presented by Jerry’s Auto Sales on March 22 to 23.