Wednesday, April 30, 2014

My Feature Interview with mAssKickers

Author Benjamin Rubenstein with his book display at the 2014 Virginia Festival of the Book
A poor attempt at mimicking the cover of my book
“Laugh as much as you can, especially at the absurd things you must go through; and bring baby wipes everywhere."

I met Eric Galvez, the founder of the nonprofit organization mAssKickers, when I spoke at the Critical Mass conference over a year ago. His site has been featuring interviews with survivors who have unique stories and perspectives. So I had to throw my A-game at Eric and fabricate facts if necessary. Read about how I decided to write my book, my boyhood heroes, and why baby wipes are the 21st century's greatest invention.

Leia Mais…

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

BREAKING NEWS: I Wrote a Second Book. Pre-Publication Copies Available Now.

Benjamin Rubenstein's new book, Secrets of the Cancer-Slaying Super ManThe secret is out: I wrote a second book titled Secrets of the Cancer-Slaying Super Man, an illustrated book for young readers and teens, or adults who want a quick read, about my cancer experiences. You can get a special pre-publication autographed copy at a discount price of $15. In support of my Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) “Man of the Year” campaign, my publisher, Woodley Books, and I are also donating twenty percent of all income from the sale of the book throughout my campaign, to LLS.

Buy a special autographed not-even-released-yet book between now and June 14 for 20% off. We donate $3 to charity. Email me directly for your copy and I’ll ship it out within a couple days. I am so proud and excited and thank you so much for your support.

Here is my totally objective review for Secrets of the Cancer-Slaying Super Man

Benjamin was a quiet, harmless teenager in the Washington, D.C., suburbs when his hip began to hurt while playing tennis on the high school team. He pushed the pain aside until it forced him to stop playing tennis, at which point he pushed the incoming “wuss” jokes aside. The pain worsened and turned out to be caused by Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, engulfing his left pelvic bone.

Benjamin created the delusion that he was superhuman in order to endure a year of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. The rules he created for himself ensured he would never be the “wuss” again, and that his humor and positive outlook would shine.

His invisible cape remained tied around his neck and when in college at the University of Virginia, he was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, a blood cancer, which was caused by the chemo he had previously received. Young Benjamin flew towards cancer survival for the second time as a teenager, and then towards a warm and rewarding life as a healthy young adult.

Unapologetically real and honest, Secrets illustrates the challenges people can face and the amazing ways they can overcome them. As a leisure book, you will flip page-by-page until you are done, regardless of your age. As a resource for sick kids, it is relatable, inspiring and funny while other resources cause fear and focus on negative outcomes. And as a book for school children, it offers life perspective and the concept that struggles are relative…also, that kids can be superhuman in ways adults never could.

I look forward to sending one of these treasures your way.

Sincerely,
Benjamin

Leia Mais…

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Man of the Year Interview, Part III

In this final part of my interview recorded at the First Descents headquarters in Denver, Colorado, I discuss playing the cancer card and I offer a parting life lesson. You can also see parts I and II of this interview, which I share as I campaign to raise money to fight blood cancers.


Leia Mais…

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Man of the Year Interview, Part II

I created a symbol for my nickname, like Prince. I miss aspects of cancer. Am I superhuman?

I answer and reveal all of that, and hint at why I am campaigning for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year, in part II of my three-part interview (first watch part I, and then part III):


Leia Mais…

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Man of the Year Interview, Part I

My name is Ben Rubenstein, I am addicted to coffee and gummy worms, and now that I am running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year, you can meet me unadulterated. An intimate conversation with me, part I (and then watch part II):

Leia Mais…

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Help Me Change the World Today

CancerSlayer LLS Fundraising TeamI am honored that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has nominated me as one of its 2014 “Man & Woman of the Year” candidates!

Eleven years ago, I lay on a hospital bed with an obliterated immune system, as stem cells from an anonymous baby girl sped through my veins. I closed my eyes and envisioned them sticking inside my hollow bones and repopulating my marrow with clean, cancer-free cells. I was 19 years old and battling my second cancer, this one affecting my blood. My fantasy became reality, and I survived myelodysplasia through a combination of hope, attitude, support and modern medicine.

I am not alone. More than a million Americans are living with blood cancers. Every four minutes, another person is diagnosed; every ten minutes, someone loses the battle. LLS has been helping people like me since its founding in 1949. In fact, the Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to blood cancer.

Each year, the National Capital Area chapter of LLS selects approximately 20 candidates to reach our fundraising goal of $1.25 million. For the 10-week campaign from April 3 through June 14, my goal is to raise $10,000 for each cancer-free year – totaling $110,000! If my campaign raises $50,000 or more, then my efforts will be linked to a specific cutting-edge LLS-funded research portfolio.

My CancerSlayer fundraising team would be grateful for your support, and no amount is too small. Together we can raise money that will go directly to LLS and help find a cure, reduce adverse side effects of treatment and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

In most cases your donations are tax-deductible. Your employer may even match your charitable gift, and you can share this blog with friends and family to increase your impact. Online donations are accepted until June 14. To donate online, please visit our fundraising Web page.

For many years I’ve been providing inspiration to people with cancer through this blog and my 2010 memoir, Twice. Now is my chance to provide funding.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, I thank you for your support.

Leia Mais…