Ben Saunders, a promising 17-year-old footballer, experienced chest pains and fatigue after completing a half-marathon in March 2019. Initially dismissed as chest inflammation, his condition worsened, leading to multiple hospital visits and ultimately the discovery of fluid around his heart. A surgical procedure intended to remove a suspected blood clot or cyst revealed a devastating diagnosis: Synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, attached to his heart. This diagnosis came seven months after his initial symptoms, leaving his parents, Tom and Joanne, shocked and heartbroken. Despite the rarity of the condition and its location on his heart, the family harbors no resentment towards medical professionals, acknowledging the challenging nature of the diagnosis.
The devastating news plunged the Saunders family into an unknown and heartbreaking world. While Ben underwent surgery and subsequent intensive care, his parents grappled with the emotional turmoil of their son’s diagnosis and the bleak prognosis. Joanne, having already lost both parents to cancer, faced the unimaginable grief of losing her child. Ben’s fear of death became a stark reality for the family, and his brave insistence that his mother remain strong for his brother and father underscored the emotional weight they carried. The family endured not only the emotional strain but also unexpected financial burdens. Joanne, being self-employed, faced a significant loss of income, forcing the family to seek financial assistance. Everyday expenses, such as hospital parking and meals, added to the mounting financial pressure. Despite these hardships, the Saunders family remained resolute, focusing their energy on supporting Ben, establishing his foundation, and raising awareness about Synovial sarcoma.
The establishment of the Ben Saunders Foundation became a source of hope and purpose amidst the family’s grief. Ben, even while battling his illness, conceived the idea for the foundation after experiencing the positive impact of a respite trip funded by another charity. He envisioned his foundation providing similar opportunities for other families facing pediatric cancer. With remarkable determination, he designed the foundation’s logo and planned fundraising events, demonstrating his unwavering spirit despite his deteriorating health. After Ben’s passing, his parents, Tom and Joanne, took up the mantle, transforming his vision into a reality. In just over three years, the foundation has supported over 370 families, providing them with much-needed respite and financial assistance.
The Ben Saunders Foundation offers families affected by pediatric cancer a chance to escape the hospital environment and create cherished memories. Through donations and fundraising efforts, the foundation maintains two lodges in the Cotswolds, providing families with comfortable accommodations, including amenities like TVs, hot water bottles, and fans. Beyond accommodation, the foundation offers financial assistance for travel expenses, meals, and other necessities, alleviating some of the financial burdens that accompany a child’s cancer diagnosis. The foundation also extends its support beyond respite stays, assisting families with rent, travel costs for treatment, and other essential expenses. For Tom and Joanne, the foundation became a driving force in their grief journey, providing a purpose and a legacy for their beloved son.
The overwhelming support from the sporting community has been a source of strength and inspiration for the Saunders family. Ben’s passion for football connected him to a network of athletes and organizations who rallied behind him during his illness and continue to support the foundation in his memory. From personal phone calls and video messages from renowned footballers to fundraising initiatives at football grounds across the country, the sporting world embraced Ben and his cause. This outpouring of support not only provided comfort to Ben during his treatment but also helped raise awareness of Synovial sarcoma and the importance of the foundation’s work. The Saunders family’s deep connection to football and the unwavering support of the sporting community have been instrumental in the foundation’s success and its ongoing legacy.
The Saunders family’s story is one of profound loss, resilience, and enduring love. From the initial shock of Ben’s diagnosis to the establishment and growth of his foundation, their journey has been marked by both immense challenges and heartwarming triumphs. The dedication of Tom and Joanne to their son’s memory and their unwavering commitment to helping other families impacted by pediatric cancer is a testament to their strength and compassion. Despite the ever-present grief, they have channeled their energy into creating a positive impact, ensuring that Ben’s legacy continues to provide hope and support to families facing similar battles. The Ben Saunders Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, a symbol of love and a powerful reminder of the difference one young man’s vision can make in the lives of others.
