Sorensen community wraps arms around student with brain tumor

COEUR d'ALENE — He wore a cool black jacket and a big grin.

When the wind picked up, his mom covered his bright red hair with an even brighter red cap.

Although it was a bit chilly on the playground Friday afternoon, Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities fourth grader Benji Stribling was feeling the love as his entire school conducted a bake sale just for him.

"It made my heart warm up," he said, his grin growing into a smile.

Last July when he was just 10, Benji was diagnosed with thalamic glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. He underwent surgery in August, but only a third of the tumor could be removed. It had also extended into his brainstem, making treatment more difficult.

Since the operation, he has undergone radiation and has been traveling to Seattle for a trial treatment to slow the growth of the tumor. It's been tough on Benji — he often feels sick, lacks an appetite and his energy is easily sapped. He can't go to school anymore and requires constant care. The tumor also causes occasional tremors, adding to the difficulties.

His mom, Katie Fagan, hasn't been able to work or sleep normal hours because of the need for round-the-clock care and frequent Seattle car trips. She brought Benji and his sister, Riven, to live in North Idaho five years ago.

"I couldn't think of a better place to raise kids, raise a family," she said. "I'm so grateful we're here."

Benji's schoolmates miss him, which was evident by how many came to see him and snap photos with their buddy. One gentleman, Rick Grebil, leaned toward Benji's wheelchair to shake his hand and share encouragement.

"Keep fighting the good fight," he told him.

Angel Martinez, who has known Benji for four years, said it meant a lot to see his friend.

"They hang out on the weekends," said Angel's mom, Theresa Martinez. "We pray for Benji." 

While students and teachers went this way and that with baked goods in hand, Benji enjoyed a massive chocolate chip cookie and hugs from classmates, teachers and many more who comprise the Sorensen community.

Benji's aunt, Lindsey Fagan, said her husband and three of her kids went through Sorensen. She said she expects nothing less from the little neighborhood school than the outpouring of love the family has experienced.

"This is incredible," she said. "This is above and beyond. The whole community, the whole school, everyone is just showing up."

In a fuzzy Grinch hat, first grader Jericho Dennis happily bought a cookie for the cause. 

"I wish Benji would get better," he said.

His mom, Courtney Dennis, said Sorensen is a good family.

"I love that they're taking care of their own," she said.

Benji's grandma, Jill Richardson, said every day had ticked down to this event.

"The input has been overwhelming," she said. "This town has really come together in the most incredible way. Whenever I talk to friends and family that aren't even living here in this town, they can't even believe how fortunate we are to be here. The wagons have circled, and it's just effortless. This town just does it."

Lindsey Fagan said while the support has been amazing from everyone, she really appreciates the efforts of Benji and Riven's teachers, Crystal Bain and Abby Fremouw.

"They're like family," she said.

"The school's really great and everyone's supporting Benji," Riven said between bites as she nibbled on a thin cookie.

Several local businesses donated baked goods or funds for the bake sale, and many families and kids contributed their culinary skills to the cause.

Looking at the number of students, sibling, parents, grandparents, cousins, friends and neighbors who attended the Baking for Benji event, Fremouw said it was something the community needed.

"It's something that's bringing all of us together," she said. "Sorensen has such a tight-knit family. Our community has stepped up. Quite a few parents took charge on this, they went to local businesses around town and they got so many yesses."

By early evening, the bake sale had raised more than $7,000 to help pay for Benji's treatment and care.

Fremouw said the students were excited to support Benji, lift Riven's spirits and be there for a family that has been through so much.

"This is Sorensen's way," she said.

The family has a fundraising goal of $50,000 to offset medical costs. Not counting the bake sale proceeds, the GoFundMe campaign was at $24,185 early Friday evening.

Info: gofundme.com

    The whole school and then some gathered for a bake sale Friday at Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities to support fourth grader Benji Stribling, center, in his battle with a rare form of brain cancer. Around Benji, from left: Sister Riven Stribling, grandma Jill Richardson, mom Katie Fagan, aunt Lindsey Fagan, cousin William Bowman and teacher Crystal Bain.
  

    First grader Jericho Dennis buys a cookie Friday during the Baking for Benji event at Sorensen Magnet School. The bake sale had brought in more than $7,000 by Friday evening to support Benji Stribling, a Sorensen student undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
  

    Good pals Benji Stribling, left, and Angel Martinez smile for the camera Friday during the Baking for Benji event at Sorensen Magnet School.