OU students, community raise funds for boy with brain cancer

A social media campaign and multiple fundraising efforts aim to help cover medical expenses for Benjamin, a 13-year-old boy who is battling brain cancer. Students in the Stellar Oncology Care student organization are driving the fundraising efforts. Their members are students in health sciences, business, marketing, communication and journalism, and biological sciences.

Members of Oakland University’s Stellar Oncology Care student organization are in the midst of a fundraising effort for a 13-year-old boy battling brain cancer. Benjamin Yousif was diagnosed last year with Medulloblastoma, an aggressive tumor that affects the lower rear portion of the brain, and his medical team has determined the disease is no longer treatable.

The group aims to raise $5,000 to help cover Benjamin’s medical expenses and make his wishes come true. A “BOWL for BEN” fundraising event is planned for 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Troy Lanes bowling alley, located at 1950 East Square Lake Road in Troy, Mich.

“As we promote awareness, we truly appreciate everyone’s ongoing care. This has been reflected with not only donations, but also in our (Instagram) campaign to support Benjamin morally with the ‘W’ (symbol) for #BenjaminWishes,” said Stella Warda, Benjamin’s cousin and president of Stellar Oncology Care at Oakland University. “All proceeds will help cover Benjamin’s ongoing expenses and (allow him) to spend time with his parents and three siblings. We encourage faculty, students and their families to come out to the “BOWL for BEN” event for a great night to support this wonderful cause.”

In addition, a special comfort care package is being assembled with some of Benjamin’s favorite items, including art supplies and merchandise featuring his favorite sports team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. A table will be set up at the "BOWL for BEN" event where people can create crafts and cards, and sign a personalized photo frame that will be presented to Benjamin.

Earlier this month, Stellar Oncology Care hosted a “BAKE for BEN” cupcake sale on Oakland’s campus. Benjamin’s family members have expressed their gratitude to the University community for reaching out in their time of need.

“We would like to thank Stellar Oncology Care and Oakland University for their support,” said Benjamin’s aunt, Amy. “It means a lot to our family during this challenging time. It has been heartwarming for the family to receive the outpouring of support for Benjamin.”

In recent days, dozens of people, including Detroit Pistons player Andre Drummond, have shown their support on social media using the hashtag #BenjaminWishes. A fundraising site has been set up at gofundme.com/benjaminwishes.

For more information, contact Stella Warda at aswarda@oakland.edu or (248) 214-1307. Learn more at the Stellar Oncology Care Facebook page. 

W is for Wishes. I nominate you to post a picture of yourself with the letter 'W' #BenjaminWishes Donate today at Www.GoFundMe.com/BenjaminWishes or go to @StellarOncologyCare_OU Biography for the fund link. #ThisIsOU 💜

A photo posted by Kayla Dafoe (@heyitskay5) on Nov 11, 2014 at 6:16am PST