
Benny and his family were on vacation in Orlando when a severe headache and vomiting landed him in the ER.
A simple CT scan revealed he had a tumor in the back of his brain.This was very difficult news for Benny’s parents to deliver to him. Unlike most 11-year-olds, he understood exactly what it meant to have childhood cancer. In fact, he had shaved his head for St. Baldrick’s just days before. Little did he know then that he would soon be diagnosed with childhood cancer himself.
Immediately following his diagnosis of medulloblastoma, Benny underwent a seven-hour brain surgery that left him unable to walk, talk, or swallow — the result of a side effect called posterior fossa syndrome. He’s working to get those skills back through a combination of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. He also completed six weeks of radiation and is now working his way through nine rounds of chemotherapy.
While Benny’s hard work is paying off, he has suffered a number of complications and setbacks. About five months after completing radiation, Benny was diagnosed with radiation necrosis in his brain stem, a life-threatening condition, and was treated aggressively with mega-doses of corticosteroids. Unfortunately, this condition and the treatment caused him a lot of pain and major setbacks with his motor skills.
When he’s feeling well, he likes to join his fellow 7th graders at school, play video games, bake his signature pies, draw and visit with friends. Whether he’s feeling well or not, Benny has an amazing can-do attitude and is well-known among the numerous doctors, nurses and therapists who work with him for being one of the kindest, most polite patients they’ve ever had the pleasure of carrying for.
But when they ask Benny about himself, he doesn’t talk about his love of video games or his baking skills. Instead, he proudly tells them that he was the top fundraiser for St. Baldrick’s in the sixth grade at his school. Now, St. Baldrick’s holds an extra special place in Benny’s big heart, and he and his family are more determined than ever to help find cures for Benny and kids like him. Please join them!
Donations made to the Benicio Martinez Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research have generously supported a St. Baldrick’s Research Grant for Charles James, Ph.D., and Simone Sredni M.D., Ph.D. Drs. Sredni and James are researching better ways to treat pediatric brain tumors at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital which is affiliated with Northwestern University in Chicago, IL.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.
These people make us smile - they’re the doers and money-raisers on behalf of The Benicio Martinez Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research. They’re shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.
Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to support our Hero Fund! A dedicated staff member will guide you every step of the way—and you’ll have fun doing something great for kids with cancer.
Register to shave your head and support our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event worldwide! No event nearby? Go virtual and shave anytime, anywhere.
Not into head-shaving? No problem! Start a fundraiser for our Hero Fund doing something you love—bike a marathon, host a bake sale, anything goes!
Need help? Email us at Funds@StBaldricks.org