Some Superheroes Do Wear Capes

In January 2022, four-year-old Benjamin got an accidental kick to the eye at school. Over the next few weeks, the swelling around his eye got worse and worse. His concerned parents took him to the emergency room at SickKids in Toronto where he was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disease classified as cancer.

Over the next year, he underwent 25 chemotherapy treatments. Benjamin became “Benjamin the Brave,” when his great aunt made him a custom cape with the “B” logo. He is known throughout the halls of SickKids for his cape, and for playing the part of the superhero he is.

As his treatments progressed, Benjamin’s mom Kaitlin watched her outgoing, happy, and enthusiastic little boy get more shy and quiet. During one hospital stay, when Benjamin was waiting for minor surgery to insert a chemotherapy port, a Campfire Circle staff member knocked on the door. He asked Benjamin if he’d like to make blue slime, and Kaitlin was shocked at his enthusiastic “yes.”

“As they worked through the slime-making process, I got to see a glimmer of the child I’d always known,” says Kaitlin. “He was happily and comfortably chatting away, asking curious questions, squealing with delight, and laughing that contagious giggle.”

“Benjamin had an incredible first Campfire Circle interaction, and it gave him a story to tell when he got home, one he told with excitement and confidence,” she says. “For the joy and the hope that Campfire Circle brought to our family that day, I’ll always be forever grateful.”

The entire family benefitted from the Campfire Circle experience.

“During a very difficult medical journey, Campfire Circle has given our family some wonderful memories and some smiles along the way,” says David, Benjamin’s father. “I’ve seen the happiness and joy they bring to families in such difficult times.”

Benjamin, who is now six years old, just celebrated a huge milestone – one year in remission.

The family wanted to give back to Campfire Circle and began fundraising through the Sporting Life 10K. In the past two years, the family has raised an incredible $100,000.

We can’t wait to see the wave of Team Benjamin the Brave capes going down Yonge Street this year on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024. For more info on ways you can donate to Benjamin’s team or register yourself, check out sportinglife.ca.