Vulnerable Life Update (I need surgery) 

Thank you for watching. We so so so appreciate your support during this time.

As someone who has been the “person with the issues” for the majority of my life, I promise that taking care of your health and making a proactive decision doesn’t change how amazing and inspirational you are Ben (and Katie), if anything it only adds to those attributes. You are not a burden and you are not broken. And Katie, I’m so happy your tests came back benign and that that was able to add even a bit of relief for you both. Thinking of you and hoping this really tough season is a gateway into many happy, medically-uneventful years ahead ❤️

Thinking of y'all and admire your bravery for sharing your struggles. ❤ We are so glad that your biopsy was benign Katie. And we hope that Ben's surgery goes super well (that cost is INSANE 😳). Sending so many positive vibes your way for a smooth recovery process!

Guys, thank you so much for the vulnerability. Although it was hard for you to do, I really appreciate it. It makes me feel less alone in my own struggles. I'm so happy Katie's tests came back benign and I really hope Ben's recovery goes smoothly! The only way now is up, guys. Sending good vibes your way, all the way from Spain 🙌🏽

Sending you both strength and healing in this difficult season of life! May Ben have a smooth recovery and Katie's tests continue to remain clear. Wishing Juniper's smile continues to light up your days through all of this.

I hope Ben’s surgery & recovery is smooth and goes well, and I’m glad to hear Katie’s results are benign. Wishing you both comfort and patience in the coming months.

We admire you guys for being so transparent and vulnerable during such a challenging time. We are so happy that Katie's tests came back benign. Wishing Ben a safe and speedy recovery post-surgery. The cost of the surgery is insane! I'm so sorry to hear about that. Sending you both (and Juniper) positive energy and love during this time 💕

Sending you both all my support and thoughts. I appreciate you sharing your struggles and wish there was something I could do to help. Hoping for a smooth a recovery for Ben as possible and so grateful Katie that your results were benign. Hang in there.

Thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable. Not an easy thing to do when you’re still going through a tumultuous time. Just know there are people you’ve never even met (hi! Been following your blog since you first got started) who are rooting for you and sending well wishes your way. You guys are strong and the love you share clearly brings you more strength. ❤ Hoping for the best outcome for you both.

So sorry you are going through all of that. Thank you for being transparent and sharing real life with us. It can be easy to fall into traps of thinking everyone else has it so much easier than you when we only share the positives. Hugs. You will get through this.

Been reading your blog since 2017 and will never think of Ben as “the guy with the teeth issues”!! Sending good vibes thanks for your vulnerability

My son is 19 years old and he has ectodermal dysplasia which is a genetic condition and he was not born with all of his teeth. I also know a few people who have the same condition as Ben. My son will have to have the same surgery as Ben. He will have his 8 teeth pulled, a bone graft, and then implant supported dentures. I am sorry for what you are going through. Medical and dental insurance is infuriating and I have been fighting for 19 years with the insurance companies and writing senators about how ridiculous it is that my child has a genetic medical condition and he cannot eat bc he doesn’t have all of his teeth but this is not covered by medical insurance. Good luck with your surgeries. I will be following closely to hear how everything goes. My son will start the process this summer. I used your 7-day Iceland itinerary and I am so excited for our upcoming trip. Thanks and good luck! I’m also from Minnesota!!!!!

I’m so sorry you guys have been going through so much all within such a short time period. Sending good energy to you both ❤

You guys are amazing. I’ve enjoyed following your journey for many years. This too shall pass! Ben will be so happy with his new teeth!

You guys! ❤ I also had my annus horribilis between 2021 and 2022, so I totally understand you. And I am convinced so does every other person on this planet, because, in the end, despite all the marvellous shiny lives shown on social media, we are all human beings. Yes, it may seem that some of us got luckier because they get to face easier challenges than ours, but what about the SO MANY others who are in a SO MUCH worse place that we are? I used to hate when my closest ones told me this when I was struggling badly, but it’s important to hear it once in a while in order to get things into the right perspective. Let me remind you of just some of the amazing stuff you have managed to achieve in this brief section of your life: 1) You have found each other, 2) You are wonderful human beings. Btw, listen up Bend people: what’s wrong with you?!? I would pay to go out with these two and listen to their stories!!! … Hey, wait a sec! New business idea for TWS? 🤔 3) You have brought to the world a beautiful healthy baby human being, 4) You have seen so much of this world and have collected unforgettable memories, 5) You have inspired other people to do so as well! And I’m among them! And this list of HUGE life achievements comes from someone who doesn’t even know you personally! Just imagine how longer it would be if someone close to you would write it down! Again, Bend people, you are missing out on something great! 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾 Jokes aside, after my annus horribilis life has been treating me better, but mostly I am so much stronger than I what I used to be and I’m ready to face what comes next. I am sure this will also be the case for you two. So, as we say here in Emilia Romagna, tin bota!! 💪🏾 Love, Cristina

Sending you both all the support! Thanks for being vulnerable - it always helps so many people feel less alone.

Love you guys! Have been reading your travel articles for years. Sorry you are going through uncertain medical issues. It really sucks, but luckily none are life-threatening. You guys are strong and will get through this.

Thank you guys for sharing the downs. I know it feels weird to share personal things online but it really does help people feel not alone in their struggles. Life is hard a lot of the time! Besides that, I am so so sorry to hear how hard of a time you guys are having and I’m praying for you ❤

I'm rooting for you both! Will be sending you waves of healing love and light for a speedy recovery, good health and healing! ❤

So sorry you are going through this , it’s a lot . Sending energy for strength at this time . Life just plain sucks sometimes but we get through with the help of each other . ❤️

Sending you both love and support from Ottawa! I've been reading your blog since 2015 and you've both inspired my husband and I to go on so many adventures. First, moving to Korea to teach, then travelling around Europe for several months and now travelling with our little one. Can't think of many more people that have been so influential in my life decisions 😂 Thanks for always sharing your lives with us, the good and the bad. Your vulnerability and authenticity is a rare thing online, which is why I think you've built so much trust with your community. Wish I lived closer to you to be real life friends ❤️ but sending virtual hugs for what it's worth.

Thank you for sharing and wishing you guys well! I just wanted to tell you it’s perfectly OK NOT to be happy, positive, optimistic, and upbeat all the time. It’s not realistic and it’s not authentic. Anyone who says otherwise is just lying. Life happens and it’s not always great. Sometimes it just sucks. But look there is hope, Katie you are ok thankfully with your cancer scare. Ben will be rid of his teeth problems once and for all after the long road ahead. You are fortunate enough to even be able to afford this super expensive surgery that most people couldn’t afford without going into massive debt. And your baby girl is good. This is a rough patch but you’ll get through it in the end and it will just be a memory of a bad year as you make so many other great memories in the future!

Sending you both peace and health! I hope you are able to get back to "normalcy" soon! xoxox

Thanks so much for sharing. Good call, I think. My very best wishes to you both as you work your way through this tough period. You'll pop out the other side before you know it. And thank you for all your advice and help out you've given my wife and I in the lead up to our trip to Mexico.

Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for sharing. Health and love are the two most important things in the world. Wish you both all the best and look forward to future travel videos when you can get back out there. Paul, from London (and also a former English teacher in South Korea :) )

Thank you for the vulnerability of sharing your struggles. I hope Ben's surgery and recovery go as well as possible and that your business soars despite Google.

Dear Ben and Katie, my heart went out to both of you just watching what you had to say. Katie, I am so happy test results were benign. Keeping up with your check ups will give you peace of mind. I wish the best for you always. Ben, I know what you have been going through has never been easy. You will be in good hands and will be well taken care of! You are doing the right thing health wise that is for sure! You are young and strong and with beautiful Katie right by your side, Juniper too😊 just one day at a time. When you are in town next, and stop by to see Grandpa I would love to see you guys. The "dental" side of me, as you know I'll ask, open up Ben🤭😉 I love you all and I pray for safe and fast healing. 💕 Pauline

Sorry you guys have been going through so much. Hope the recovery goes smooth!

Hoping for a rapid recovery for you Ben! And that any future tests of yours Katie's continue to come in breast cancer free. Sending prayers your way. And let your viewers know if there is a go fund me for Ben's procedure to help out.

Taking care of your health is so very important! Sending you love and healing thoughts - hugs to you both ❤

Sending much love and healing hugs. We will be thinking of you both xoxo

Sending you lots of love as you go through this surgery. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

Wishing you all the best and all fingers are crossed for a speedy recovery.

Vulnerability is so powerful, especially coming from a man as well. Sharing your story in that thick of it is the most vulnerable you could be. Sending you both so much love, health and prayer. Can we donate somewhere to help you out? 🤍🙏

Sending love and support during this time! Good luck!!!

Sending you positive vibes and lots of healing prayers for dental and breast. This too shall pass and you”ll be stronger for it. Words my Nana always told me and she was always right. Thanks for sharing. It reminds me to be thankful for my health.

Sending you both the biggest virtual HUG! It takes a LOT to share the very personal & private issues in your life. I have enjoyed following your travel blogs and have used some of your tips in my travels. WE just got back from Spain and are going to Amsterdam, Germany & Switzerland in the Fall. I have an incredible recipe for Lemon Chicken Orzo soup if Ben is interested!

So tough. Thanks for sharing and sending 🤍🤍🤍🤍

Sending so much love friends

Thanks for sharing your personal life. You both are such fun loving public figures. I am sure it was very hard to share about real life problems instead of “fun travels” information for viewers to use. I wish I was in Bend to lend a hand, however I would love to send some financial support as it takes a village so you don’t have to have to go into debt. Please let us know if you start a Gofundme.

Best wishes. Thanks for sharing

Love you guys!

Set up a Go Fund Me page! Many of us would be very willing to donate to you! Good luck!❤

Hey please set up a go fund me! I’ve seen others want to as well , and you’d have sooo many people helping the three of you ❤

Thank you so much for sharing with us. Do you have a go fund me set up or a way to donate to help ease at least some of the cost? I love seeing your posts and would love to contribute at least a little bit to help you if possible.

Lord I pray for health and healing for this family and a quick recovery. Bless them from the top of their heads to the souls of their feet: body, soul, mind, and spirit. I pray that you meet their needs financially as well. In Jesus name, amen.💔+✝️=❤️‍🩹

Looking forward to buy 3 week Japan itinerary. Making progress 🙂?

Please start a Go Fund Me!!