Ben, now 20 years old, has experienced quite the journey to get where he is today. As a college student, Ben stays busy by working and preparing for the next step in his education. However, that doesn’t keep him from getting out in the sunshine to spend his weekends fishing, hiking, stargazing, biking, and exploring the outdoors. Getting his wish granted by Make-A-Wish Wyoming all began in 2023 when Ben’s body stopped producing enough new blood cells to function properly.

After noticing he wasn’t feeling his best and was slowly losing strength, Ben and his family decided to visit the doctor and completed bloodwork tests. Initially, the doctor reported that Ben’s bloodwork looked like he had Leukemia or Lymphoma that was highly progressed, and Ben was immediately sent to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. This led to weeks of back-and-forth trips from his home in Afton to Salt Lake City for various testing.

“Eventually, the diagnosis came back that it was not Leukemia or Lymphoma,” shares Ben. “Instead, it was a rare disease called Aplastic Anemia. My diagnosis had also progressed so quickly and so much that they labeled mine as Severe Aplastic Anemia. In school, I actually did my anatomy and physiology final on Aplastic Anemia, so I knew how it worked.”

Ben’s treatment plan would last 2 to 5 years, depending on which route he chose. His choices were either immunosuppressive therapy or a bone marrow transplant. He opted for the bone marrow transplant, knowing it would be a greater challenge, but would take less time for his overall treatment. Ben began prepping for the transplant, which included total body irradiation and chemotherapy, and had his procedure in September 2023.

The transplant was successful but required Ben to spend the next month in the hospital, followed by regular visits to Primary Children’s Hospital, requiring Ben and his family to stay in Salt Lake City. Finally, in January 2024, Ben was permitted to return home to Wyoming, where he continued to experience a smooth recovery. During his recovery, Ben had the time to dream up a wish to be granted by Make-A-Wish Wyoming.

Ben’s health prevented him from taking a trip anywhere, which was fine with him, as he doesn’t love big crowds or feel the desire to take an exotic trip. However, as an avid outdoorsperson, Ben knew he wanted something that would not only support his hobbies but also last him for years to come. Thus, Ben wished for the ultimate kayak-fishing setup, equipped with all the fishing essentials, 3 stand-up paddleboards, and life jackets.

“I decided on a kayak fishing setup because I wanted something that would be a gift that would keep on giving for years to come. Both for me, my family, and my future,” says Ben. “Getting my wish granted was exciting, and it was well put together. I really enjoyed being able to invite the people closest to me to be a part of the celebration of this whole journey coming to a close and seeing how far I came.”

Since his wish was granted, Ben and his family have taken the kayaks out to a small lake, where they have enjoyed paddling around and being outdoors together. Not only was it a fun family outing, but it was a unique experience they got to enjoy together. Now, Ben and his dad plan to float down the Salt River in kayaks sometime later this summer and spend the whole day on a kayaking adventure. 

Since his transplant, Ben completed his freshman year at Utah State University studying mechanical engineering with an aerospace emphasis. He was told for much of his recovery that he likely wouldn't be able to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, another dream of his. However, in September 2025, his doctors reported that his health was in excellent shape, clearing him to serve a mission anywhere in the world. Today, Ben uses his story to encourage others to donate blood and plasma and to register as bone marrow and organ donors, knowing firsthand that these donations can save a life.

Make-A-Wish Wyoming grants wishes for kids with a wide variety of conditions, like Ben’s. You can help grant wishes for kids across Wyoming by donating or referring them to Make-A-Wish Wyoming.