For Ben
Bienvenido Are, also known as Ben or Dodi, was diagnosed with stage three Pancreatic Cancer in June 2015, an aggressive upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer with some of the lowest survival rates of all cancers. With such a low survival rate, and the aggressive and painful nature of the cancer, Ben was told he only had six months left to live.
Ben fought through these odds and faced the battle with his cancer, celebrating his 60th birthday in September 2015, and seeing one last Christmas with his loved ones in December 2015. Ben never lost his strength, hope or his faith.
By July 2016, Ben had lost so much weight, experienced immense pain in his body, saw frequent visits to and from the hospital, and saw the cancer had spread to other parts of his body, forcing him into palliative care.
On July 24th 2016, Ben passed away peacefully in his sleep. Having fought through such a dangerous cancer for just over one year, he was finally free.
This year will be ten years since Ben passed, and our team are fighting to raise awareness to all cancers and cancer prevention.
We also hope to raise money for Cancer Council which will assist in research conducted on various cancers, assist in offering support services to families and individuals in need, and raise awareness to all cancers that have a devastating impact on individuals and their loved ones.
In doing so, we hope that other families will never have to experience the painful and difficult times we saw while Ben was fighting pancreatic cancer, and see a brighter future and outcome for individuals diagnosed with cancer.
In participating in the relay this year, we hope to stand alongside all others who are fighting cancer, lending them strength to keep on fighting.
We also stand alongside others who have lost someone to cancer, sharing memories and remembering those who left us behind.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and we hope to see you on the track!
So far this year we've helped provide:
Our Team Members
Mia Are (C)
$524
Michael Are
$135
Michael Are
Angela Are
Rhys Are
$55
Vaiden Are
$55
Matt Are
$258
Felix Hook
Belinda Hook
Jason Lov
$146
Alan Odart
$80
Violeta Odart
Mark Are
$82
Chanté Are
$75
Thank you to our Sponsors
$163
Brandon Hickey
$136
Amica Cresp
$106
Rod And Lumen Decena
We remember forever our brother , Ben, who inspired us with his bravery and humble heart in surrendering to God’s call 🙏❤️
$106
Clare Decena
I'm so proud of you, Mia. Will be thinking of you, Tito Dodi and the entire Benny & the Jets team this weekend x
$106
Brandon Hickey
$106
Angelica Gore
Good luck to the Are family on your relay! Always keeping Tito Dodi in our hearts, especially now it’s been 10 years since he was here with us.
$100
Soc And Dong Villaflor
$85
Michael Are
$80
Alan Odart
$80
Matt Are
$61
Edwin Are
Hi Fam, apologies we cannot make it this year. But i hope you all have a safe and fun day. So proud of you.
$61
Kenji Sugimoto
$61
Derek
$56
Angelica Lov
$56
Arnulf & Family
Sending our love to you and the family my bro ❤️
$55
Joanna Lov
Thinking of you and the family Mia. He is so proud of you 💕
$55
The Parry's
$55
Elaine Estanislao
$55
Elaine Estanislao
$50
Michael Are
$50
Mark Are
$50
Chanté Are
$50
Lisa Torchia
What a great way to honour your Dad’s memory and the impact he continues to have, 10 years on. Every step and every dollar helps bring support and hope to so may.
$40
Jason Lov
$35
Paula Alexander
$32
Jacinta
Your dad would be so proud of everything you've achieved Mia!! Sending lots of love to you and your family <3
$32
Julia
Your dad would be so proud to see what you're doing today! Good luck running those laps in his honour x
$32
Sasha Hodge
<3
$32
Anonymous
$32
Eirene Raymundo
$30
Mia Are
$25
Chanté Are
$24
Joseph Ganino
$24
Melinda Lov
$20
Anonymous
$20
Gen Villaflor-gozon
❤️❤️❤️❤️
$12
Sofia Familara
Sending lots of loveee <3
