When 16-month-old Ben developed a high fever and trouble breathing, his parents, Andrea and Andrew, brought him to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) thinking he had a respiratory illness.
Doctors found that Ben had pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). But additional testing revealed something far more serious: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL), the most common type of childhood leukemia.
A sweet and silly little guy
Before leukemia entered their lives, Ben was a busy toddler who rarely slowed down. His family describes him as a "sweet and silly little guy" who loved chasing after his older sisters, Brynn and Kendall, playing with cars and trucks, and throwing balls.
Like many toddlers, Ben adored Bluey, Mickey Mouse, Elmo and Ms. Rachel. He was happiest outside — running through grass, walking the neighborhood, swinging at the playground. His favorite days were simple: playing, eating, napping and then playing some more.
Most of all, he loved keeping up with his big sisters, Brynn, 8, and Kendall, 5. The girls adore their little brother, and that bond became one of the family's greatest sources of strength throughout his cancer journey.
Finding strength along the way
Following his diagnosis, Ben and his family settled into a new routine of hospital visits, treatments and long stays focused on helping him get well.
Through every appointment, procedure and treatment, Ben continued to show the same determination that had always defined him. Even during some of the hardest days, his personality continued to shine through.
Cancer treatment can take a tremendous toll on a young child's body, and there were times when Ben's family worried about the everyday milestones many parents take for granted.
But step by step, Ben began reclaiming pieces of his childhood.
Today, he is walking again. He's climbing stairs. He's running, playing and exploring — back to chasing after his sisters and enjoying many of the activities he loved before his diagnosis.
For Andrea and Andrew, those moments carry special meaning. The sight of Ben running through the grass or tossing a ball across the yard is a reminder of how far he has come.
Each milestone represents progress. Each playful moment represents hope.
Care beyond treatment
Throughout Ben's journey, CHOP has become an important part of the family's life. The pediatric cancer team caring for Ben has helped guide the family through one of the most challenging periods they've ever faced.
"From the doctors and nurses to every person we've encountered, we are constantly in awe of the team that shows up for our son every single day," says Andrea.
The family's experience has inspired them to become advocates for children facing cancer diagnoses. In September 2026, they participated in the CHOP Parkway Run & Walk as Team Brave Like Ben, helping raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research and care.
"Supporting CHOP means supporting families like ours," says Andrea, "giving kids like Ben the very best chance to heal, grow and thrive."
Looking ahead
Ben's journey isn't over. But today, there is room for joy alongside the challenges — playground adventures, games of catch, walks through the neighborhood, afternoons spent watching Bluey, and the simple gift of being a little boy.
When asked about Ben's superpower, his family doesn't hesitate: It's showing the world what resilience looks like.
Every day, Ben reminds those around him that courage doesn't always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like taking another step. Sometimes it looks like climbing another stair. Sometimes it looks like finding joy in the middle of an incredibly difficult journey.
And thanks to expert care, groundbreaking treatments and the unwavering support of his family, Ben is doing exactly that.
