Author: Benjamin White

Benjamin is a UCLA alumnus who went on to earn his wings of gold as a Naval Aviator in 2016, fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. In the spring of 2017 at the age of 26, Benjamin was diagnosed with stage IIIB colon cancer. 12 rounds of chemo and 4 surgeries later, Ben is happy to be in remission and focusing on gaining his health back. Benjamin enjoying time off to travel and be with family after medical separation from the Navy and is thrilled to able to contribute as a member of the PEAR team.

Suicide And Forgiveness

It’s been ten years since Nick took his life, but I still think about him every day. When I think about Nick, I try to remember the good. The summer afternoons at swimming holes, the Read more…

By Benjamin White, 2 years ago May 1, 2019

In May of 2017, at 26 years old I awoke from an emergency surgery with a cancer diagnosis, a colostomy, and the immediate knowledge that my life had just irreversibly changed. One year ago today, Read more…

By Benjamin White, 2 years ago December 7, 2018

Stories

Phoenix

For an immortal mythical creature and supposed beast of great beauty, I have always thought of the phoenix as cursed. To die over and over, forced each time to crawl from the charred husk of Read more…

By Benjamin White, 3 years ago October 18, 2017

Stories

In Defense of the Fight

In the aftermath of Senator John Mccain’s cancer diagnosis another cancer survivor named Xeni Jardin wrote an opinion piece that gained a lot of traction and attention. I saw this article shared by friends on social Read more…

By Benjamin White, 4 years ago August 22, 2017