Ben Stelter fund helps other kids fighting cancer

It has been six months since the Edmonton Oilers biggest superfan lost his battle to cancer, but Ben Stelter’s spirit continues to inspire.

His family is honouring his legacy by helping other kids fighting cancer.

“If we can shine a light on other kids going through this battle and get help for them it’s all worth it,” says Mike Stelter, Ben’s dad.

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READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers superfan Ben Stelter passes away

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The Ben Stelter Fund was created in December 2022, to continue the legacy of Ben’s big heart. The goal is to help children fighting Glioblastoma and other cancers.

“We are grieving Ben every day, but it’s also why we do it. It’s because Ben fought so hard and so strong so we feel it’s almost our duty to help other children who are going through this because we want to give them better treatments and a better outcome,” says Lea Stelter, Ben’s mom.

The Stelter’s say the fund has four pillars in which the money raised will go towards:

• Medical Equipment: Some children require advanced medical equipment at home. Certain equipment isn’t always covered by Alberta Health or additional benefits and we want to lessen the financial burden on the families by helping them obtain the equipment they need.
• Research: We want to find better treatments and outcomes for Glioblastoma and other pediatric cancers. We will help fund research at the Stollery Children’s Hospital working directly to improve the well-being and outcome of children with cancer.
• Venture Philanthropy: We will invest in unique, creative, entrepreneurial projects, startups and entities that help with cancer treatments. The goal is to have this equity create sustainable funding for the Ben Stelter Fund and think out-of-the-box for fighting cancer.
• Magical Experiences: Ben was fortunate to have so many great experiences during his fight. We want to make sure other children can have moments to escape reality and make life-long memories with their families.

I am teaming with @ashifmawji and family to pledge $100,000 towards the newly launched Ben Stelter Fund, to get better outcomes for youth that are battling cancer. We challenge all athletes, individuals and businesses to be a part of this!  https://t.co/Wq557jb7rD pic.twitter.com/jVGUZy0i42

— Connor McDavid (@cmcdavid97) December 8, 2022

“We realize that other kids don’t always get this chance and these experiences and that’s why we want to help make that difference and make the change so every kid can get this,” say Mike.

Ben first captured the hearts of Edmontonians in the spring of 2022, becoming the Oilers’ playoff ambassador during a lengthy post-season run.

No surprise then to see the initiative is getting a big assist from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation who have lined up with the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation on a Mega 50/50 to support the cause.

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“The support we’ve got from the Oilers Entertainment Group has been incredible, and to have a 50/50 has been so big for our fund, and we’re just trying to make it as big as we can for Ben. Ben did everything big so I want to see if we can set records and make it big for Ben,” says Mike.

“This community in the city has proven to show us how supportive they are of everyone in the city, but especially Ben and now going forward they are with children fighting brain cancer,” adds Lea.

The Stelter’s say the community support has been incredible. Their fund already surpassed $240,000, part of that money raised by 9-year-old Cecily who is a brain cancer survivor.

“There’s no truer warriors than children who are fighting cancer and Cecily proves that, and we are seeing how powerful it is for children helping other children and children fighting for other children, it’s vital,” says Lea.

“It’s been unbelievable. Edmonton is such a great community and just to see the community around Ben was so good, but now it’s not just rallying around Ben, it’s around all these kids battling brain cancer, and the support we’ve got from all different parts of the community has been unbelievable,” says Mike.

“Edmonton is very community-minded, we all band together, and as an Edmontonian, it makes me proud to see that,” says Ashif Mawji, a friend of the Stelter family. “People are rallying behind Ben’s legacy and it’s good to see people supporting through the 50/50 and direct donations to the fund, it’s just really good to see.”

The Oilers Mega 50/50 in support of the Ben Stelter Fund runs until Friday.