Ben Michael Teach

Ben Michael Teach, 4, of Newport Beach, CA passed away in the arms of his mom and dad on Friday, February 20, 2015 after a brave 16 month battle with a rare form of leukemia. Born April 21, 2010 to parents, Liz and Todd Teach, and older brother Max, Ben attended Christ Lutheran Preschool. He was an avid Lego and Star Wars fan, loved swimming, picking flowers for his momma, and could often be seen riding his plasma car on his street. Ben’s sweet spirit, amazing sense of humor, and zest for life, even when sick, made an indelible impression on all who knew him, as well as those who didn’t.

Ben was diagnosed with biphenotypic acute leukemia on October 22, 2013. Over the course of the next six months, he received treatment at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). In April 2014, Ben went to City of Hope Hospital where he received a bone marrow transplant courtesy of a generous young man in Germany. Ben recovered well and was in remission for six wonderful months. Almost a year to the date of his initial diagnosis, October 15, 2014, Ben’s leukemia returned. Further chemotherapy treatments at CHOC proved unsuccessful as his leukemia turned chemo resistant. On Friday, February 13, Ben came home from CHOC. He spent his last week at home surrounded by his family, playing video games with his dad, and Legos with his brother.

During his 16 month fight Ben enjoyed far more good days than bad. He was often seen racing his plasma car around the halls at CHOC and charming the nurses and doctors with his quick wit and wisdom. Liz, Todd, Max, and Ben enjoyed visits to LEGOLAND, Disneyland, Lake Tahoe, swimming and boating outings, as well as visits from friends and family. Ben never missed an opportunity to tell his mom, dad, or brother how much he loved them. His free and complete giving of love, his joyful spirit, and his fierce, brave soul will be forever missed.

Ben is survived by his loving parents, Liz and Todd Teach, brother Max Teach (6) all of Newport Beach, CA; paternal grandparents Thomas and Sandra Teach of LaPorte, IN; maternal grandparents William and Janet Todd of Irvine, CA; maternal great-grandmother Judy Todd of Lake Forest, CA; aunts Amy Todd and Brooke Keith of Denver, CO; aunt and uncle Megan and Matt Levy and their children, first cousins Brennen and Willa Levy, all of Frankfort, IL; uncle Thomas (Tommy) Teach and his fiancé Samantha Salden, of South Bend, IN.

A memorial service celebrating Ben’s life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 10:30am, at Christ Lutheran Church, 760 Victoria Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ben Teach to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, http://www.stbaldricks.org/.