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Fundraiser planned for child with rare bone cancer

Contributed by: Kristen Bushlack on 8/31/2006

On Aug. 16, Kohl Benjamin, a very active boy with a great sense of humor, suited up for football practice. During practice, Kohl was hit and went down, landing on his arm. He shook off the pain and finished practice. The next morning, Kohl's arm was swollen. Fearing he fractured his arm, his mom took him to see the pediatrician who immediately referred him for an X-ray.

Instead of showing a fracture as expected, it showed a tumor growing on Kohl's bone. Within hours, Kohl was admitted to The Children's Hospital, where a battery of tests identified the tumor as a rare cancer known as Ewing's sarcoma. The annual incidence rate averages less than two cases per 1,000,000 children internationally. Ewing's sarcoma is more common in males and usually presents itself in childhood or early adulthood, with a peak between 10 and 20 years of age.

Treatment consists of a 12-month schedule of intensive chemotherapy, surgery and possibly radiation. Kohl began chemotherapy 48 hours after being admitted to the hospital.

Kohl's diagnosis has left family, friends, teammates, classmates and teachers with heavy hearts and an overwhelming desire to do something to help. On Sept 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. we will be hosting a fundraising event at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Pavilions in Castle Rock to support Kohl and his family.

Since many chemotherapy patients experience hair loss as a common side effect, we would like to give you the opportunity to support Kohl by joining us at the fairgrounds for "buzz cuts" by local stylists. For those who aren't ready to cut their hair, spray-on hair coloring will be available. We will also have a magic show, hot dogs, chips, soda, baked goods, music, face painting and temporary tattoos.

Donations will be accepted for all activities. We will also be raffling off a Broncos basket, Rockies basket, Nuggets basket and an Avalanche basket. Each basket is filled with various team items, which may include tickets and/or signed paraphernalia. All donations will go to help with Kohl's medical expenses.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kohl's parents, Randy and Kim, and his number one fan and big sister, Kelsey, during this difficult time.

If you are unable to attend the fundraising event but wish to make a contribution, all donations can be made to:

The Kohl Richard Benjamin Fund at any 1st Bank locationor St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2746 E. Colorado 86, Castle Rock, CO 80104. Their phone number is 303-688-3025.

For more information, feel free to contact Kristen Bushlack at 303-663-8966 or Pam Sonka at 303-748-1151.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Kristen Bushlack

Castle Rock , CO

Kristen Bushlack has posted 3 stories and 0 comments since joining on 8/31/2006. Kristen Bushlack 's average story rating is 4.88.
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