Ben is alive and well, although two years ago it was a very different story. He was diagnosed with an aggressive, malignant brain tumour when he was only 7 years old. The bottom fell out of our perfect world. Following brain surgery and months of gruelling treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Ben is a picture of health and is doing much better than we could ever have imagined. However, the dread and fear of the tumour returning is very real and he continues to be scanned every three months. So we just take three months at a time and consider ourselves extremely lucky for each new day.
We set up our umbrella group as a celebration of Ben’s bravery and courage against all odds and to give hope to others as he continues to light up our lives and the lives of those around him. To date we have raised over £40,000 and this year the Ben Sambrook Fund have chosen to fund a specific research project – the implementation of a molecular brain tumour test. This will improve diagnosis and treatment in patients with high grade glioma, like Ben.
We now feel that despite the desperate situation we continue to find ourselves in, we are doing something positive, making a difference by improving the outcome for others with brain tumours. For us this means Ben’s illness has not been in vain.
Fundraising
The Viva Las Vegas Ball
We organised the ‘Viva Las Vegas Ball’, our most successful fundraiser to date, at Calderfields Golf and Country Club on the 2nd October, raising £10,000 in just one night. More than 150 guests were entertained by a dance cabaret, comedy magic show, casino, games and a disco. This money will specifically fund the implementation of a molecular brain tumour test that will improve diagnosis and treatment in patients with high grade glioma.
Sharon Sambrook and her Mum at the event
We are going for a different theme this year, just to keep things interesting! Therefore, the ‘Moulin Rouge Ball’ will be held on the 9th October at Calderfields Golf & Country Club, Aldridge.