Basketball Fundraiser For Beverly Teacher Battling Cancer

BEVERLY, MA — The North Shore athletics community is rally around the family of longtime Beverly teacher Ben Goodhue after he was diagnosed with a recurrence of a rare brain cancer.

Goodhue underwent surgery for glioblastoma in 2017 and returned to teach at Beverly High School, where the Gloucester native taught physical education since 2007. But, according to a GoFundMe page set up to benefit the family, it was during a routine scan that it was found that the cancer had returned.

Goodhue later suffered two seizures with residual effects hampering his strength and mobility.

"As a few months passed it was noticeable that he wasn't getting better but rather regressing," the page's organizer wrote. "Doctors' visits revealed that the regression was due in part to the tumor and this was the path of the disease, and furthermore there was nothing more doctors could do."

The Goodhues have two daughters — 3-year-old Maggie and 1-year-old Charlotte.

The GoFundMe page raised $61,936 of its $100,000 goal as of Thursday.

Now organizers of the #GoodHueStrong 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament are looking to raise additional funds for Sarah and the family.

The event is on July 11 at the McPherson Teen Center in Beverly.

From 11 a.m. to noon there will be fun games for those ages 6 to 14 that include knock-out and a free throw contest.

From noon until 9 p.m., a high school and 18-plus 3-on-3 tournament will be held with the winning teams receiving a VISA gift card.

Entry into the tournaments is $15 per team.

There will also be a concession stand, face painting, music and more. Teams are asked to enter by June 30 by emailing goodhuetournament@gmail.com.

"Ben has been a life-long lover of football and finds such fulfillment in making an impact on his young players and students," GoFundMe organizers said. "Ben has also devoted a lot of his time to running and exercise. He has always felt it imperative to model what he teaches in the classroom. Not being able to fulfill these passions has been a challenge for Ben amidst his ongoing battle.

"As you can imagine, this is a very trying and emotional time for the Goodhues. Ben and his family need our help and support once again."

A website and Facebook page have been set up so friends and former students of Goodhue can receive updates on his condition.

GoFundMe is a Patch partner.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)