2 DAY HOLIDAY EVENT benefiting my nephew Ben Sanders (Osteosarcoma) and 

The 1 Voice Foundation for Pediatric Cancer

Benjamin Sanders got his first pair of ice skates at the age of four, but it was not until eleven that he started playing hockey – first as a forward and then following in his grandfather’s footsteps to play goalie. He advanced from house hockey to travel hockey and was selected to the modified, JV and Varsity teams over the course of his academic hockey career. He also ran track in high school, primarily running the 200m and 400m and relays, qualifying for the sectionals in the 4x400m relay.

 

During the Spring of his senior year of high school, just as he was starting his track season, he experienced swelling in his knee. An MRI found a tumor on his femur just above his left knee. This ended his track season as his team of doctors set about to do a biopsy to determine a diagnosis. Surgery to remove the tumor and rebuild the femur with a cadaver graft, plate and screws, using existing ligaments and tendons took place in July 2019. The surgery was successful and the knee is now stabilized. However, further study of the tumor determined that it was malignant and Benjamin began six rounds of chemotherapy to take place over five-week cycles in August 2019. It is hoped that this will be completed in or about February 2020. To date, no further cancer has been found. 

 

Ben is a talented and recognized artist and was admitted to Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, with a plan to study Game Art. Due to his medical issues, he had to defer those plans for a year and intends to start there in August 2020. He hopes to work on animation for video games as a career. His grandparents and aunt live in Tampa.