Benjamin Joseph Ries
October 4, 1992- June 1st, 2005
by: Rachel Ries
My brother, Ben, was a handsome 12 year
old boy that taught me all about life. He taught me to live by
putting my faith first, family second, then, friends and finally
put everything behind those three things. He always had a smile.
He loved life and was very caring and kind to everyone he met.
Ben was diagnosed with a brain tumor on April
28, 2000. In his five years with cancer he had many surgeries,
radiation and chemotherapy treatments, a stem cell transplant,
an infection that nearly took his life in 2002, and a scary bout
with pneumonia in 2004.
Ben was seven years old when he found out
he had cancer. At seven years old you shouldn't have to be doing
the things he had to do, but Ben never complained. He just wanted
to do whatever was needed to get better. Unfortunately, with cancer,
each time it comes back it lowers your risk of survival. We enjoyed
and were thankful for each and everyday we had together as a family.
Ben was a big Chicago Cubs fan and loved
to watch them on TV with many other sports like football, and
basketball. Ben was not able to play the sports like he wanted
to, but he always cheered on his favorite teams. He got to play
baseball in 5th grade and he got his first and only hit of the
season. He could not play on the field much, we didn't want him
to get hurt but he always tried to play. At home he always wanted
to play catch or have you pitch to him.
Ben was a smart kid that always wanted to get his homework done
on time and it had to be perfect. I would bring his homework home
and I could barely get my bag off my back and he would be getting
his homework out of my bag. He always wanted to keep up with his
classmates. Ben passed the sixth grade.
Throughout Ben's life with cancer he still
persevered. He never felt sorry for himself. He was always thinking
of how he could help others. Ben is missed by a lot of people.
I miss him every minute of the day. We spent a lot of time together
those last few days of his life. We had a lot of fun together
and I thank God for giving me that time with him. I am upset that
he is not with us now, but I know that he is in a better place
and I'll see him again some day in heaven.
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