Ben Kelhoffer was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia four days after his 18^th birthday in October of 1997. This type of leukemia is characterized by an overabundance of white blood cells (Ben’s white blood cell count was 480,000 when diagnosed – a normal count is between 3,000 and 5,000). Ben would need a bone marrow transplant as treatment for the disease.

In June of 1998, Ben and his family went to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle for treatment. While in Seattle, a bone marrow donor was identified, and Ben received his transplant. The first transplant did not take, but a second transplant was effective.

Showing signs of improvement, Ben was able to leave the hospital. Unfortunately, two days later, he was readmitted with graft-vs.-host disease (an immune attack on the recipient by cells from a donor).

Ben and the family returned to Cincinnati in October 1998. One last operation to stop the disease proved to be unsuccessful, and Ben died on October 17, 1998.

Throughout his illness, and through his rounds with Chemotherapy and radiation, Ben never once complained or felt sorry for himself. He fought a courageous fight, shielding his pain from his family and friends. Thankfully, Ben was able to discuss his fears with his spiritual advisor, confidant, and friend, Fr. Chuck Mentrup. To learn more about Fr. Chuck's impact on Ben's life and the Foundation, please visit our special tribute to Fr. Chuck.  

Ben will always be remembered as a free-spirited person who enjoyed life. He had a unique sense of humor, a distinct laugh, and a great smile. His mom, Barb, would describe him as very “ornery,” and a jokester who loved to laugh. But just as he loved to laugh, Ben loved spending time with family and friends.

Ben’s life, and his courageous fight against leukemia, continues to be an inspiration to many. The work of the Ben Kelhoffer Foundation aims to remember and celebrate Ben’s life. Currently, the memorial golf outing is the major annual event put on by the foundation. Click here for information about this year’s outing.

Ben with mom, Barb, and dad, Lawrence in the fall of 1997