A Love for Cars, and a Heart for the Kids With Cancer Society: Supporting the Ben Stelter Foundation
by As far back as I can remember, cars have been a part of my life. From my huge collection of Hot Wheels to my tricycle that morphed into a Big Wheel, I was always drawn to the feeling of movement and the power cars represented. So, when my sister asked if my wife and I wanted to attend a car event in support of the Stelter family, I knew it would be an opportunity to not only see incredible cars but also to support something far more significant.
The event was a chance to honor Ben Stelter, whose courageous battle with glioblastoma captured the hearts of the entire Edmonton community. Ben’s family, much like my sister’s family, has faced the unimaginable grief of losing a child to cancer. Yet, despite that deep pain, they have continued to channel their love and energy into supporting others, raising awareness, and funds to fight pediatric cancer. The Ben Stelter Foundation was established to carry on Ben’s legacy, and the car event was part of that ongoing mission.
Ben’s story resonated with me because I’ve seen firsthand how families like his, and my sister’s, have had to endure the struggles and heartache that come with childhood cancer. My niece Taylor also faced this cruel disease, but through it all, she wanted to give back. One of the items on her bucket list was to have a lemonade stand, and my sister made sure it happened. What started as a simple idea grew into Taylor’s Lemonade Stand, a yearly event that has now raised over $50,000 for the Kids With Cancer Society (KWCS).
KWCS was a critical support system for my sister’s family during Taylor’s battle with brain cancer. From emotional and financial support to providing practical help, like installing a lift that allowed Taylor to spend her final days in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by loved ones. The Society stepped in where it mattered most, making sure that no family had to navigate such a difficult journey alone.
The car event in honor of Ben Stelter wasn’t just about horsepower and beautiful vehicles; it was about community, compassion, and resilience. Horsepower For Hope, the group of car enthusiasts who volunteer their time and showcase their incredible cars to raise money for KWCS, played a huge role in the event. Many of the drivers have their own personal connections to childhood cancer, often driving in memory of a loved one. It’s a humbling experience to witness the dedication and love they bring to these events.
As an observer, I’m continually inspired by the way families who have faced such unimaginable loss use their grief as a way to give back and lift others up. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and events like this car show remind us all of the power of community. The Stelter family, like my sister’s family, is a shining example of this strength. They turn their pain into purpose, raising funds not just for research and treatment, but also for supporting the children and families who continue to fight.
Northern Alberta is truly fortunate to have organizations like the Kids With Cancer Society, the Ben Stelter Foundation, and groups like Horsepower For Hope that rally behind these causes. The generosity of local businesses, car enthusiasts, and everyday community members ensures that these families receive the support they need. It’s a beautiful cycle of giving—whether through purchasing cookies and lemonade at Taylor’s stand or attending a car show in Ben’s honor, every small action contributes to something much larger.
To everyone who has supported Taylor’s Lemonade Stand, whether through donations or kind words, thank you. Your contributions make a difference in ways that cannot always be measured but are deeply felt by the families who benefit from them. And to the car enthusiasts who put their heart and soul into their vehicles and these charity events, thank you for giving us all something to admire while making a real impact in the fight against childhood cancer.
If you’d like to get involved or learn more about these incredible organizations, you can contact them directly:
- Kids With Cancer Society: kwcscanada.org
- Ben Stelter Foundation: benstelterfoundation.com
- Horsepower For Hope: horsepowerforhope.ca
Thank you to everyone who continues to support families in our community. Whether through horsepower or heart, you’re making a difference.
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