stories

In case you needed to see a little love in your life on this Valentine’s Day – meet our friends Jenn & Tyler…

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I’ve been a family support volunteer with Side by Side for almost four years, so I have watched the Towne’s journey from afar and through mutual friends. I remember the sadness the day I heard that Ben was gone, then seeing them transform that unspeakable pain into a life mission.

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FACT: Pediatric cancers receive less than 3% of the National Cancer Institute budget.

“For my Birthday I had a beach party. All my friends in kindergarten came. We had a slip and slide, but it was cold so we filled a pool with warm water so we had a hot tub. More…

FACT: Approximately one in 300 children will receive a cancer diagnosis before the age of 20.

“We faced the hottest day of the summer and I asked my mom if we could have a lemonade stand.  She thought that was a great idea and asked if I was going to charge money; and if so, what would I use the money for? I said the Ben Towne Foundation. My brother Gabriel and I made signs on the easel and decorated a donation jug. My mom made lemonade and we were in business. More…

FACT: About 11,210 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2011.

Dear Ben Towne Foundation,

Last year my litter sister was diagnosed with leukemia (ALL). Even before that happened I had been wanting to raise money to donate to cancer research and was growing my hair out for Locks-of-Love. More…

September represents so many things – the start of school, football season (go dawgs!), change of weather and sadly childhood cancer. This month is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

FACT: Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children between infancy and age 15.

Over the next few weeks we are going to do something fun – as we bring awareness to this disease. We are going to feature some of the children who were busy over the summer helping Ben Towne Foundation. Their ideas and efforts were so extraordinary to us and proved what we know to be true: that kids can change the future of pediatric cancer. Kids can help kids. Empowered, small bodied, but big-minded philanthropists. We are grateful for their participation in this story and look forward to introducing you to a few of them here. More…

When I was a Junior in college my best friend and college roommate, Luke Voiles, was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer. He went from being a 6 foot 3, 220lb freak-of-nature college athlete to a 100 lb shell of a man in just eleven months.  After riding the rollercoaster with Luke, celebrating the highs of a liver transplant to morning the lows of feeding him strawberry yogurt just three days before he died, I made a promise to Luke and his legacy that I would do everything in my power to end this horrible disease. I shared Luke’s story with my class four years ago when I was having a really sad day. One of my students came up to me after class and asked me, “Why don’t you do something about it?” I took that challenge and ran with it.  Every year since then I have held a fundraiser for various cancer research foundations. When my wife Leah told me about Ben Towne Foundation, I began reading about Ben and the family’s story.  It hit home to me and Ben’s story was fairly similar to Luke’s. More…

Recently Jackie and Skip hosted a fantastic cocktail/dessert party at which Dr. Jensen and the Townes were able to speak. Together, they were able to share about the future of pediatric cancer research and about the new Center for Childhood Cancer – which will be officially opened in July. Jackie and Skip invited their network of friends and colleagues for a fabulous evening at their home – and here is what Jackie had to say about it… More…

I grew up with Carin – our families have been friends for years. I have read every blog update since Ben became ill, and the Towne family has constantly remained in my heart and mind. After having the honor of attending the amazing launch event in September, I felt driven to do something to help them and this important cause. More…

Some of you may know that I have administered a March Madness basketball contest for over thirty years. This year is no different and I am excited about Selection Sunday and to make my picks!

I have decided this year to take a portion of the entry fee and donate to Ben Towne Foundation. More…

When neuroblastoma hit a family so close to ours, I just could not believe the devastation it caused. As this disease took the life of Ben Towne it made me want to help in any way I could so that others would not have to go through what Carin, Jeff and their families were put through. Shortly after Ben’s death, neuroblastoma struck my own family as my cousin’s son Carter was diagnosed. More…

A special birthday party More…

Our greatest hope for this foundation is to be a voice for pediatric cancer research – a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. We will raise awareness by telling Ben’s story and sharing what is happening here in Seattle at the Center for Childhood Cancer. But this narrative is bigger than Ben. It is bigger than what happened to him. It has to be. It has to be the story of thousands of people who decide that children should not suffer and die from cancer and therefore do something about it.

Since our official launch in September there has been an incredible and enthusiastic response! We will be using “Stories” to highlight the ideas and ways in which people are making Ben Towne Foundation part of their family’s story. More…