A Lifetime of Love

The author John Steinbeck once wrote, “Texas is a state of mind.” For Ben, Texas holds a special place in his heart: It’s where he and Sylvia fell in love.

“I met her the first day I went to work after college,” Ben said. “I went home that night and called all my old girlfriends and said goodbye. Sylvia and I were married less than a year later.”

For more than 63 years, Ben and Sylvia have been at each other’s side. After he retired from his career in engineering and technology, Ben took up watercolor painting. It was Sylvia’s idea, he said, to do something other than play golf.

After more than 63 years today, Ben’s love for his wife, Sylvia, is strong. “I don’t think there are any more like her out there,” he said.

“I’ve never had any formal classes, just some workshops,” he said. “But my friend told me I sketch so well,” he said.

Many of his paintings feature parts of the world the two have traveled, from Venice to New England. And for their 60th wedding anniversary, Ben painted a picture of him dancing with Sylvia.

“I’ve got 460 pieces of art hanging on people’s walls,” Ben said.

After he retired from his career in engineering and technology, Ben took up watercolor painting. It was Sylvia’s idea, he said, to do something other than play golf.

Ben’s travels stopped when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. Optimistic from his initial surgery, Ben’s prostate-specific antigen number dropped to near zero. He maintained his treatment regimen until Thanksgiving 2021 when his doctors noticed his numbers spiking. Ben’s doctors recommended he change medications.

“I was devastated,” Ben said. “I told my wife that I just want more time.”

Ben’s doctor referred him to The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Prostate Cancer Copay Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for all prescribed FDA-approved treatment for prostate cancer, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

“Without TAF’s help, my treatment would have been an impossible $695 a month,” he said. “I just can’t say enough good things about TAF. They’ve helped me so much.”

Since starting his new treatment, Ben’s prostate-specific antigen numbers have returned to near zero. He said he can once again focus on making the most of every day with Sylvia, as well as their daughter, son-in-law, and two grandkids who live nearby.

“My doctor told me I was going to die, but not from prostate cancer,” he said.

After more than six decades together, Ben is buoyed by the love and support of his wife, saying he hopes other people can find their own Sylvia.

“I don’t think there are any more like her out there,” Ben said. “You need to have someone that loves you and helps take care of you.”