Team Wellborn is a group of friends and family of the Wellborns who have been inspired by the family's strength and faith for years. Jill and James have never asked for anything but our prayers, even though the road has not always been easy. Their positive attitude is contagious. We are dedicated to supporting the Wellborns in any way we can and invite you to join us!

Jill (formerly Patterson, of Hudson) and James found out they were pregnant and in August discovered Jill was having twins along with a one in a million diagnosis of Twin to Twin Syndrome. Jill delivered 3 months early on Christmas Eve in an emergency c-section. Brady John was born 2 lbs and 7 oz. and Bejamin James was born 1 lb and 7 oz.

Benjamin was diagnosed with Stage IV Hepatoblastoma (liver cancer) on Dec 4, 2007 (another 1 in a million diagnose with a 15% survival rate). He endured 6 rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumors in his liver and lungs. Jill was able to donate part of her liver to Benjamin on April 1, 2008 (James’ birthday). After three weeks in the hospital, they were able to come home. Benjamin was on 22 medications a day around the clock. A follow up visit showed a 4mm lung nodule on his CT scan. It was surgically removed and Benjamin received 2 more rounds of chemotherapy. His scans were clear after the chemo.

Fall and winter were rough with pneumonias, RSV and some mild liver rejections. In December 09 more lung tumors were discovered and they were surgically removed, followed by another 6 rounds of chemo. Benjamin's last week of chemo had to be postponed due to the sudden loss of Jill’s mom (May 15th, 2010) to Breast Cancer. At this point, Benjamin had experienced a total of 14 rounds of chemo, 20 surgical procedures, 2 emergency helicopter flights, 2 emergency jet rides, and 2 emergency ambulance rides to Minnesota. On June 2, 2010 Benjamin had his last day of chemo. Currently he is cancer-free, but is monitored every three months.

On Friday, April 13, 2012 Jill went into the ER for some speech issues only for them to find a mass in her brain. And on Monday, April 23, Jill had a 3-hour surgery to remove the mass. Pathology reports confirmed it is a Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer - yet another one in a million diagnosis. Now she will endure 6 weeks of radiation with chemotherapy at the same time. Physicians say she will be on chemotherapy indefinitely.

Please keep the prayers and encouragement coming! We invite you to visit (and 'Like') our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with new updates, family pics, and more! Also please mark your calendar for the Team Wellborn Benefit on June 30, 2012!

A benefit account has been set up at Veridian Credit Union. Please stop by any Veridian branch office, call the credit union, or mail a check to:

Veridian Credit Union
ATTN: TEAM WELLBORN BENEFIT
P.O. Box 6000
1827 Ansborough Avenue
Waterloo, Iowa 50704

To donate through the Bumblebee Foundation using PayPal or a credit card* please click Donate button below and specify "Team Wellborn Benefit" in the "Donation Message" section.

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