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Racing for a CURE - Ironman Wisconsin/The Chicago Marathon

Chris Fullerton and Tom Rieckelman would like to thank you for your time and support of the Ben Whitaker Fund. Tom will be competing in Ironman Wisconsin on September 13th and Chris will be running the Chicago Marathon on October 11th. The money raised by this fund will go directly to the Oncology Department of the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania. Your financial support will help find a cure and save the lives of children like Ben Whitaker. Below is a brief story of Ben's diagnosis and treatment.


Life changed dramatically for the Whitaker family on April 7, 2009 during what was supposed to be a routine 18 month old doctors appointment for Ben's younger brother Colin.

Ben went with his mother, Elise, and Colin to say goodbye to his pediatrician, Dr. Laura. The Whitakers were scheduled to move to Philadelphia later that month and this would be the last time they would see her before the move. Ever the charmer, Ben wanted to bring her flowers to say goodbye. When Ben sat on the examination table next to Colin, Dr. Laura immediately noticed how pale he looked. She suggested that they draw Ben's blood and within five minutes the test was back. Ben's hemoglobin level was a 5, far below the average. The initial diagnosis was that Ben might be anemic and would need a blood transfusion. This was quite a shock to the mother of a normally healthy child. Elise called Ben's father Marty, already working in Philadelphia, and took Ben straight to Children's Memorial Hospital. After many, many tests and 10 minutes before Marty arrived, Elise was told the words no parent should ever have to hear - "your son has cancer". The next day Ben was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, more commonly known as AML. AML affects about 500 children and adolescents in the US each year and is a fast moving cancer that requires immediate treatment. That Friday, April 10th, Ben was put on a medical transport plane to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He immediately began his treatment which could last up to 7 months.

The months following Ben's diagnosis have been an emotional roller coaster for the Whitakers, with both good days and bad. They are comforted by the care that Ben is receiving at CHOP and are greatful to those who are helping him fight this battle. We are very happy to say that Ben is currently responding very well to his treatment.