Ben Campbell Memorial 5K

Benjamin Cole Campbell was a go-getter, destined for greatness, and though he’s no longer with us, we pledge to keep his legacy alive forever. The Benjamin Campbell Memorial Fund has been established to keep Ben's legacy alive by helping other students achieve. Ben's journey is a reminder that given the opportunity, with hard work and focus, you can achieve. Ben’s childhood was anything but easy. His mother, Carla, was diagnosed with Leukemia and fought hard for many years. As years passed her health rapidly declined. Ben and his siblings were enrolled at Milton Hershey School, in hopes that Carla would win the fight against Leukemia and their family would be reunited. The disease eventually took its toll on her and she lost her battle, a week prior to Ben’s 8th grade graduation. The family struggled with the devastating loss - now four children without a mom. While at Milton Hershey, Ben played football and was an asset to the team. Football was his anchor - he found a way to release his anger and frustration, kept his grades, and stayed focused; however, home is where his heart needed to be. He wanted to be back home with his dad. His dad agreed to let him come home, and he enrolled in Newark High School. Not long after his arrival, he had made new friends and was voted junior captain of the football team. It was here he met his future fiancé, Shannon. Ben was determined to continue his education after high school and played football at Wesley College. He worked really hard and graduated with honors. He was able to see his Dad and siblings and thought all the hard work would pay off. He worked hard every day...really hard. Quotes in this letter are from his application to Widener Law School. Telling his story he said, "Nothing in my life has been handed to me. I worked hard for every accolade. I expect to work hard to earn my law degree and when the academics get tough, I will never give up. When I earn my degree, I will use it to help as many families