[Past Recipients]

ABOUT BEN:

The Problem: Diagnosed with Follicular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in April 2009. (A very difficult form of cancer)

Where treatment is planned: Most likely MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas.

Treatment time: Treatment could take 6 months to 1 year for full recovery.

Estimated Cost: $350,000 – but his insurance only covers $200,000.

Other Expenses: House payment, car payments, food, utilities.

About Ben & Brittany:

It all started in January, 2005 when Ben and Brittany were both seniors at the University of Georgia, just beginning their last semester of college. A mutual friend of theirs decided to dabble with matchmaking and set the two of them up on a blind date. It was love at first sight! Ben was from the small country Town of Reidsville, Georgia and Brittany was a city girl from Atlanta, Georgia. Ben and Brittany spent the next 2 years driving over 4 hours to see each other on the weekends. Ben and Brittany were married on July 26th, 2008 in a beautiful garden wedding in Athens, Georgia and lived in an apartment in Pooler, Georgia. The Kennedy’s now live in Bluffton, South Carolina with their Chocolate Lab, Trevor.

Why they need our help:

May of 2009, shortly after getting married, Ben Kennedy was diagnosed with Follicular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Ben and his wife Brittany are a young, hardworking couple that have been caring, giving, and upstanding members of the community. They are both hardworking employees of the same home builder in Bluffton, SC. Ben is a project manager and Brittany is a designer. With their 2 salaries and secure jobs, they were on their way to saving money and starting a family. Unfortunately, Ben’s unexpected illness has crippled them financially and emotionally. In the midst of a bad economy, Ben’s employer notified him that he cannot afford to pay him during his required 6 month treatment. Unfortunately, Brittany’s single salary is not enough to pay for their basic living expenses such as the house, cars, and food, let alone the medical bills! Of course, this also means that Brittany must work in another state while her husband is fighting the battle of his life. Brittany and Ben MUST remain together through this difficult period!

Our goal is to raise enough money for Ben to cover his medical bills beyond what his insurance will cover, as well as covering their modest living expenses so Brittany can take care of, support, and be with Ben during his 6 month to 1 year treatment period.

Foundation Goal for the Kennedy’s: $200,000