Ben Stelter was a six-year-old boy from Canada who had been battling brain cancer for the last year. In 2021, his parents discovered that Ben had cancer, and it was bad.
According to ESPN, “Stelter was diagnosed with glioblastoma — a form of brain cancer — two months before his fifth birthday. He fought through multiple surgeries to remove the tumor, underwent numerous radiation treatments and several rounds of chemotherapy.”
Little Ben loved playing hockey. He was a big fan of the Edmonton Oilers and owned a mini version of the team’s jersey he loved wearing.
After his surgery, Ben’s father, Mike, wrote a Twitter post and tagged the team’s official account.
“He had brain surgery and is now recovering at home before he starts radiation. We can’t keep his stick out of his hands, and it’s his dream to meet his hero Connor McDavid.”
Mike also attached a short video of Ben playing hockey in his tweet. However, he wasn’t very hopeful that his post would reach the team’s official players, yet it did.
Soon, Connor McDavid replied to his tweet and wrote, “Nice shot Ben! I’m rooting for you, buddy. Stay strong.”
After his surgery, Ben received public recognition after the local news channel featured him.
In 2021, Ben’s house was paraded by over a hundred cars, including thirty Corvettes.
His father, Mike took to his Instagram and thanked everyone who participated in the parade,
“Yesterday Ben had a huge drive-by birthday parade that got a lot bigger than we expected it to. He was pretty pumped to see himself on tv this morning.”
“Thank you so much to everyone that helped put this together and to everyone for the support. You all helped to make Ben’s 5th Birthday a special one! There were over 100 cars and over 30 corvettes which are his favourite!”
In December 2021, Mike, who has 68K followers on his Instagram, updated people about Ben’s new test results and requested everyone to pray for his health.
“We were crushed to find out that Ben’s tumor had returned.” He wrote.
Mike and his wife didn’t lose hope and kept fighting for their son’s life, believing that he would recover. But to their disappointment, the doctors informed them that Ben’s tumor had stopped responding to the chemotherapy.
So, they stopped his treatment.
In March 2022, little Ben got a chance to live his dream as the Edmonton Oilers officially invited him to skate.
“The Oilers invited Stelter to skate on the ice prior to puck drop against the San Jose Sharks on March 24. After Edmonton’s 5-2 win, Stelter waited to give each player fist bumps as they returned to the dressing room, where he joined them for a victory celebration. The Oilers gave Stelter their game MVP helmet and jacket to wear.” Wrote ESPN.
“Stelter continued to inspire his favorite team from there. He continued doling out high-fives and encouragement at regular season games, and the Oilers went on a 10-game winning streak when Stelter was in attendance. He became more of a fixture during Edmonton’s postseason run, even traveling to California for some first-round action against the Los Angeles Kings.”
Despite his poor health, Ben traveled to several states to see his favorite team play. Before every match, he would fist bump the players and wish them luck.
He became so popular that even Oilers’ opponents began cheering for him.
One of the opponents from the Calgary Flames, Matthew Tkachuk, wrote on his Twitter,
“He’s a true warrior, so we’re following him every step when he’s at the games and everything like that. We’re definitely cheering him on and hoping for the best for him.”
In May 2022, on Ben’s sixth birthday, Edmonton Oilers player Leon Draisaitl recorded a video message for him and informed him of his team’s win against the Calgary Flames.
“Hi buddy, it’s Leon here, one of your good friends. Happy Birthday Ben. We love you. I know you are cheering for us. [We’re] excited to see you in Round 3.”
According to Mike Insta’s update, Calgary Flames also sent him candies and a handwritten note on his birthday.
On August 11, 2022, Mike Stelter shared the tragic news of Ben’s passing with his followers.
“The world lost the most special boy and an absolute hero last night. Ben, you were the best son we could ever hope for and you were my best bud ever. Your sisters were so lucky to have you as such a sweet brother. You fought so long and hard and beat so many odds. You truly changed the world and did so much good in your short time here.”
“Mom and I are so proud of you. You had a bigger heart than anyone we’ve ever met. Our hearts are left with a Ben sized hole in them and life will never be the same without you. We are absolutely crushed. We love you our sweet Benny boy.” Mike wrote on his Instagram.
After learning about Ben’s death, several members of the Edmonton Oilers expressed their grief and sent condolences to his family.
“The Edmonton Oilers are mourning the loss of six-year-old superfan Ben Stelter, who the team called a “dear friend, number one fan, good luck charm and inspiration.”
“Ben came into all of our lives at a time when we needed some hope and inspiration. Although small in stature, Ben’s impact on our team and community was massive.” The team’s official statement read.
What are your thoughts on little Ben’s story?
