Mike Stelter, father of late Edmonton Oilers superfan Ben Stelter, has been diagnosed with cancer. This comes as heartbreaking news for the family as it’s been a little under a year since they lost Ben after his noble battle with cancer.
On Thursday, July 13th, Ben’s father, Mike, shared on social media that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that has seen a tumour growing on his spine. The Edmonton Oilers franchise has helped the Stelter’s in many ways, setting up the Ben Stelter Fund and continuing to advocate for Ben and many children who are battling cancer.
“A biopsy was done and after weeks of testing, they still don’t know the exact type of tumour it is, but said it’s rare and requires Proton Therapy for treatment. Canada is the only major country in the world that doesn’t have this treatment available.” Daniell Ribich wrote this in the GoFundMe description, which you can read and it is encouraged that people donate if they are able.
The family asks that even if you’re unable to donate, please share the GoFundMe link to help Mike and Lea Stelter.
While the Stelter family entered the spotlight when their son, Ben, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, two months before his fifth birthday, Ben’s energy and enthusiasm became a rallying point for the Edmonton Oilers during the 2021-22 season. Ben underwent multiple surgeries, four rounds of chemotherapy, and 35 radiation sessions, but this didn’t stop Ben from getting to skate alongside Connor McDavid and many other Edmonton Oilers players on a March 24th game during the 2021-22 season.
The Stelter family travelled to Oilers playoff games during the Oilers 2022 playoff run, each team they face gave the Stelter’s recognition and showed support. Over $1 million has been raised since the Ben Stelter Foundation was launched, and the mission of the Ben Stelter Fund is to support families through the process of cancer and raise funds to fight cancer.
The GoFundMe to support the Stelter family as they navigate Mike Stelter’s treatment has already seen over 600 donations and thousands of dollars to support the family. Please donate to the GoFundMe if you are able and pray for the Stelter family during a time of need.
