~ SILAS RIVER BENNETT ~

THANK YOU!  We have met our goal for Sy's Bench; any additional money raised will be donated to either the Lung Cancer Alliance or the Silas Bennett Book Fund for children.   

October 5, 2008 was the day on which Silas River Bennett would have celebrated his 30^th birthday.  In life, Silas was a man with many ideas and plans.  Plans that went way beyond fighting the cancer he had been diagnosed with just 4 days before his 29^th birthday.  Silas knew that with stage IV cancer the possibility of fulfilling his long term life goals and dreams were not likely.  Yet, despite the challenges of cancer, Silas continued to move forward with important projects and goals he felt he could accomplish.  Silas had planned to continue working toward his journalism degree at Keene State College.  His goal was to graduate. When writing became difficult, Silas took up photography as a way of recording his life journey.  As his cancer progressed and he became confined to a wheelchair, Silas continued to photograph his world from that new perspective, often with his legs pulled up to his chest as it became harder to control the pain and get comfortable.  His knees are visible in some of his photos, and in looking  through these unintentional "self-portraits" we cannot help but smile as we recall an amazing man with tenacity and humor; an incredible and feisty spirit who remained hopeful even through the darkest of news.  While Silas did not survive long enough to see his dream of graduating with a degree in journalism, his friends and faculty at Keene State College are hoping to raise enough money for a handcrafted bench which is approved to be installed on campus in honor of Silas.  As Sy's family, we cannot think of a more fitting tribute. 

We all know that Silas would not want his 30^th birthday to go unnoticed.  He would expect some partying to be going on; drinks, laughter, food, and perhaps a few games of pool.  Those who were blessed with knowing Silas are aware of his generous and giving spirit.  Keeping this in mind as we thought of a way to make his bench at Keene State College a reality, an idea blossomed.  A gift for Silas, and a gift from Silas.  As a way of achieving this goal, we have chosen 5 photographs, all taken by Silas after his diagnosis.  Each photograph is being offered in either 8x10, or 5x7, matted and ready to frame.  Our goal is to raise $2,500.00 which will cover all costs for the bench. 

For your donation of $50.00 we will send you a matted 8x10 photo of your choice.  For your donation of $35.00 we will send you a matted 5x7 photo of your choice.   Contributions of alternate amounts are also appreciated and can be made to the Silas River Bennett Memorial Fund .  All proceeds will go toward Sy's bench.  Please fill out contact information and photo choice(s) under "Order Photos/Donate" here, and send your check or money order made out to "Silas River Bennett Memorial Fund", c/o Greenfield Cooperative Bank, 63 Federal St., Greenfield MA. 01301.  For your convenience we have also set up a paypal link.

 

Because Silas loved thinking big, we are carrying forward that tradition by including two other support options where donations in excess of our main goal will go.  Please let us know if you have a preference.  The first is a Children's Book Fund which will donate books to children in homeless shelters in Sy's memory.  Silas had a love of books from the time he was quite young, and always felt that reading is a childhood pleasure that no one should miss out on.  The second is the lungcanceralliance.org which is an awesome nonprofit organization that is working to reverse the stigma and neglect that has followed this disease.  Their goal is to eradicate lung cancer through education, advocacy, and work for funding to advance better treatment and early detection.  Sadly, while lung cancer kills more men and women every year than breast, colon, prostate, liver, kidney, and melanoma cancers combined, (and is affecting more young adults than ever before) progress has been slow due to the shame and blame that is associated with this disease.  Please visit their website ~ it is so informative & thought provoking.  We will keep you informed as to how the fundraiser is going through updates here.  Thank you for your support, and enjoy an IPA and a good laugh in honor of Silas.

~ In loving memory of Silas River Bennett ~

Lorraine, Phoebe & Max, Eve & Tim, Jesse & Kyle

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SILAS RIVER BENNETT

 “CITYSCAPE BOSTON”

 “CIRCLE OF STRENGTH”

“BLOSSOMS”

“JOY STREET”

“BEACON HILL POINTS”

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