On Friday January 18th, 2008, Benjamin Benaud Watters, "Benny", was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma - DIPG).
It all began back in early November 2007 when his left eye started to cross. It was thought he had Strabismus, glasses and patching were prescribed. The eye failed to improve, and so he had an MRI on January 18th, 2008. We were completely shocked when the tumor was discovered.
Benny participated in a Phase II Clinical Trial sponsored by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and carried out at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, USA. Benny completed 6 weeks of radiation combined with an anti-cancer medicine called Motexafin-Gadolinium (used as a radiosensitizer) on March 11th, 2008. His first MRI post treatment on April 24th 2008 showed a 44% reduction in the tumor. The following 4 MRI's up until January 22nd, 2009 showed the tumor as stable. Benny's most recent MRI on March 23rd, 2009 showed a slight increase in the tumor. We are now investigating new treatment options.
Benny is a happy, active, sports loving 3 year old, adored by his big sisters Lily and Isabella and parents Lisa and Brendan. He loves The Wiggles, Dora and Bunnytown, fancies himself as a rock star on his pink guitar, is a superstar on the computer and a master of Nintendo Wii.
Benny, like his sisters, (Isabella Bradman and Lily Marsh), is named after a great Australian cricketer, Richie Benaud, in anticipation that he too will one day grow up and develop similar personal character traits that will assist him in life. Richie Benaud is widely considered one of the great characters of the sport both during his playing days and in commentary afterwards. Charisma, tenacity and most importantly a humorous approach to life are Richie’s great qualities. At three years old Benny was not supposed to get there so soon but he is already displaying these great qualities, showing us how to handle what has been thrown his way, with a good deal of tenacity, stubbornness and a cheeky smile that makes us laugh until we ache and makes everything seem OK.
Click on this video to see Benny's journey so far, last updated September 7th, 2008.
