THE LIFE OF BENJIE SIMON

Benjie is an operator with Valero-Port Arthur refinery, former group chairman USW Local 13 423, a 1974 Port Neches-Groves graduate, member of Krewe DeCameaux and a motorcycle enthusiast. He and his wife live in Port Neches. Benjie is also a devoted husband to Nanette (a Nederland High School teacher), father and grandfather.

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THE DIAGNOSIS

On December 13th, 2017, Benjie was diagnosed Stage IV Metastatic Colon Cancer which spread aggressively to his liver and lungs. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and to the amazement of his doctors, he is tackling this terrible disease with a positive attitude and calm spirit.

 

We hosted a link sale on October 23, 2018 at the Patriot Security parking lot in Nederland, Texas in Benjie's honor. Here's his and his wife's testimonial about their experience with the Circle of Hope:

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COH: "How'd you hear about the  Circle of Hope?"

Benjie: My wife got involved with them before we were married. Their family friend’s daughter,  Lauren Brack, was killed and the Circle of Hope raised money to help cover her funeral expenses. After seeing my wife work with them, I’d go out every now and then. We’d contribute auction items, buy the raffles, link sale tickets and stuff like that. They do a good job of getting that organized because I know that would be a really tough thing to do."

 

​COH: "How did they help you?"

Benjie: Well I do my chemo treatments here, but we have to travel to Houston often for doctor visits, CAT scans and other things like that. It helps us pay for those frequent trips, but other than that, it helps us make ends meet because my days of working are done. I’ve had a couple of surgeries, but after one of the procedures... going back to work was not an option anymore.

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They’re a great bunch of people and they’re out there doing some amazing stuff.

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COH: "What was it like to work with the Circle of Hope?"

Benjie: They’re all good people. Emmett, Joel, Kirk, Jimmy and the ladies that help out– they’re doing a great thing. My friends were actually the ones who put my name in with them, but I was uncomfortable with it. But then one of my friends told me to shut up and get over it!"

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COH: "What do you want people to know about the circle of hope?"

Benjie: That they are religiously based and what they’re doing is such a good thing. I told Emmett the other day that I really appreciate what they’re doing, and he said “You're welcome, but just so you know... that’s the only time you get to say that!" And that's because they really don’t expect any accolades or anything special back from the people they’re trying to help."