This Brain Tumor Awareness Month, we share the inspiring journey of Benny, a three-year-old whose life was transformed by early detection, expert care, and the power of proton therapy.
A Life-Changing Discovery
In February, Benny was playing with his siblings when a golf club accidentally struck the back of his head. His parents rushed him to the ER, expecting a minor concussion. But when the scans came back, they revealed something unexpected: a tumor hidden in Benny’s left temporal lobe.
Within two days, Benny underwent brain surgery. The tumor was successfully removed, but weeks of testing revealed a rare and aggressive diagnosis, supratentorial ependymoma, SFTA fusion-positive. Since this type of tumor does not typically respond to chemotherapy, Benny’s care team recommended proton radiation therapy as the best option.
The Power of Proton Therapy and a Compassionate Team
Benny began daily treatments at the Texas Center for Proton Therapy, located just 15 minutes from home. Over seven weeks, the center became a place of healing and comfort for Benny and his family.
The care team combined clinical expertise with exceptional compassion. Doctors, nurses, and child life specialists surrounded Benny with kindness, comfort, and reassuring support at every step. The team’s care and kindness helped Benny feel at ease, and he quickly grew comfortable with his daily visits.
Each weekday, Benny arrived for sedation and a carefully planned radiation session. His mother Amanda stayed by his side, supported by the caring staff. Despite the early mornings and long days, Benny’s resilience was remarkable. By afternoon, he was often back at home, running and playing with his siblings.
A Celebration of Strength and Healing
On June 27, Benny completed his 33rd and final proton treatment. Surrounded by family and the care team, he rang the center’s victory gong, marking the end of a long and emotional chapter. Follow-up scans soon confirmed the best possible news: no evidence of disease.
Benny was finally able to enjoy summer as any child should, swimming, laughing, and playing with his siblings.
As his father, Jeff Schiefelbein, shared, “Almost one year after Benny completed his proton radiation therapy, he continues to show No Evidence of Disease, praise God. Thanks to his successful treatments, Benny has been given the opportunity to experience life as an energetic, fun-loving four-year-old boy.”
A Message of Hope
Benny’s story is a powerful example of how proton therapy can change lives, especially for young children with brain tumors. The precision of the treatment, combined with the dedication and compassion of the Texas Center for Proton Therapy team, gave Benny the best chance to recover and return to the joys of childhood.
As we recognize Brain Tumor Awareness Month, we celebrate children like Benny and honor the remarkable care teams who bring families hope and healing when it matters most.
