About Ben Horgan
Ben Horgan was a student in the kindergarten at the Hastings School in Westborough when he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. While given very little chance of surviving Ben "beat" that tumor, thanks to the doctors and staff at UMass Medical in Worcester, the Jimmy Fund and Children's Hospital. Ben developed another tumor a few years later, which again was put in to remission, to the amazement of his doctors, and then developed a third a few years after that. He passed as a result of this tumor at the age of 11- six years after his initial diagnosis.
Despite all these things happening in his life, Ben was a typical kid. He loved to play, enjoyed school, had lots of friends, was a Cub Scouts, played Tee Ball, and did all the things the other kids did. He had an amazingly positive outlook on life. He didn't complain and he showed incredible strength to face all the medical procedures he went through over six years. He taught those who knew him a great deal about patience, grace, strength, love and the healing power of humor.
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During those years Ben and his family were given incredible support and love from people within the community- Saint Stephens' Church, A Child's Wish Come True, Camp Sunshine,
the Jimmy Fund and many individuals and organizations. Thanks to the help of the staff of the Westborough school system he was a part of a new program, which provided tailored schooling for him and his fellow classmates. He loved going to school- that's where his friends and teachers he loved were.
The Ben Horgan Tournament
We are very grateful for the love and support we were shown, and have set up an annual golf tournament to celebrate Ben, and to raise funds to help pass on the blessings we were given. This year's tournament is on August 15, and
the proceeds will be given to
Camp Sunshine,
the Jimmy Fund and the Ben Horgan Grant to a family in crisis.
The Ben Horgan Grant
During the six years Ben was sick we were blessed by help from many people, some we never knew. Part of the proceeds from the Tournament will be given to a local family in distress, a family that may be going through something like we did. This past year we gave a gift to a local family whose son has been waiting for a heart transplant, and the year before we donated to the family of a local 4 year old who is fighting cancer.
The Jimmy Fund
Ben was treated by the Jimmy Fund for 6 years. We have a team that walks the
Jimmy Fund Marathon every year, and a part of the proceeds from this years tournament will be sent to the Jimmy Fund to help their work treating kids with cancer. It is an amazing and wonderful organization.
Camp Sunshine
Camp Sunshine is a year-round retreat, which provides respite, support, joy and hope to children with lifethreatening illnesses and their immediate families through various stages of a child's illness. The program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. We were one of the first families to go there--and had a great time in the midst of a series of treatments and surgeries. We visited there last year and saw amazing changes and improvements. Last year your contributions enabled two families to attend the Camp for a week--THANKS!
