Benjamin Lafond, a student at Oklahoma State University who was pursuing a doctoral degree in biology, passed away this past Friday, May 2024. He was a resident of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Ben had reached the age of 25.
The one-health approach to conservation was something that piqued his curiosity, and he was particularly interested in exploring the ways in which infectious diseases like chytrid (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and ranavirus may have an effect on human health.
Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of hepatocellular adenomas in the year 2022. Even though his doctors are experts in their respective disciplines, they had never seen anything like this before.
The malignant tumors that had grown on his liver were inoperable, and in order for him to continue living, he need a transplant as soon as possible.
