Ben Hepworth, of Afton, received his gift from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, after recovery from Severe Aplastic Anemia, on Saturday, May 16. His chosen gift was not a trip, but boats and paddle boards, which he hopes will give him opportunities to enjoy time with his family doing the things that they love.
The son of Dane and Brittany Hepworth, Ben was diagnosed with his illness in June of 2023. Severe Aplastic Anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce the needed cells for health and repair in the body. With symptoms similar to Leukemia, treatment of the disease requires red blood cell and plasma transfusions until a bone marrow transplant is possible. The family spent months traveling between home and Salt Lake or Logan to facilitate the transfusions.
Testing established that none of Ben’s family members were possible donors of bone marrow, so his name was submitted to the International Bone Marrow Registry. Though doctors told the Hepworth’s that it could take up to five years to find a donor, the family was elated when, only two weeks later, they were informed that two donors had been found. Ben chose to receive his bone marrow transplant from a donor in Germany.
First, chemotherapy and radiation treatments eliminated the very little bone marrow that remained in Ben’s body, and then he was able to receive the transplant. Immediately after the transplant, the family was separated for over 100 days as Ben needed to stay in Salt Lake close to his care team. Brittany was Ben’s caregiver in Salt Lake and Dane managed their home and family in Star Valley. During that time, friends and neighbors helped Dane move the family to a new home and held a fundraiser that generated the funds to cover the cost of Brittany and Ben’s rental home in Salt Lake. Meals, support and friendship flowed to the young family.
This was an extremely difficult time for the Hepworths, as they had never spent much time apart, and Dane relied on the support of friends. “I have seen first-hand the kindness and support this community gives to people and I love being a part of that giving,” he said. “Sometimes, you need to just lean into someone else to get through the day and I cannot express my gratitude enough! I love you so much for giving so much at such a hard time.”
Treatment and recovery were faster than expected but meant that Ben needed to take a break from his academics. He returned to “finish out his senior year strong,” said Brittany. “This kid came back with such humble gratitude for life and the simple joys of being a Senior.”
Eighteen months have passed since his transplant, and Ben is enjoying a full life. “I’m very pleased and excited with how Ben is doing,” said Dane. “He has made an amazing recovery which we owe to lots of prayers and faith of so many.” Ben has completed high school and two semesters of university study. He has earned scholarships, attended classes and worked a part-time job. “He has grit and determination to succeed,” said Brittany. “Nothing holds him back! He is back to fishing, hiking, rock climbing, biking, and so many other activities!”
Ben has recently received word that he can meet his German donor and build a relationship with him, which is exciting and humbling to him. He is very pleased with that opportunity.
Dane and Brittany have learned so many meaningful lessons during this experience that they described as “sacred.” Brittany realized how much she was willing to endure and sacrifice for the wellbeing of her children. She learned how much she would “fight and work to make [Ben’s] life possible. Incredible things come out of hardship. We now live life to the fullest, hugging each other more, saying ‘I love you’ more, laughing and enjoying each other’s company, living each day with gratitude for even the smallest things.”
Ben is excited for the life ahead of him. He plans to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then return to Utah State University to complete a degree in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace Emphasis. He hopes to eventually work for a large space company such as NASA or SpaceX. “My dreams are to aid humanity in sailing for the stars!”
“The biggest lesson I learned that I remind myself every day is that we have so many wonderful and unique opportunities,” said Ben. “I would rather live a life where I take risks and accept the consequences than live in the constant fear of failure or missed opportunities.”
