Bentley and his family lived a normal, happy life. He loved superheroes, PJ Masks, playing with slime and spending time with his brothers. His family’s lives were forever changed with one word, cancer. Bentley was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma in the spring of 2021.

Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma is a 1 in a million diagnosis. Bentley faced 4 months of treatment, which included chemotherapy treatments, oral medication, surgery, blood draws, emergency room visits and hospital stays.

He is energetic, loving, resilient, charismatic and hopeful.

“He is energetic, loving, resilient, charismatic and hopeful,” Shatiera, Bentley’s mom described him on his memorial Facebook page.

During his courageous fight, his physician recommended him for a wish and advised Make-A-Wish® Iowa to act diligently. Bentley wished for a yellow Labrador puppy, who he would name Victory. Shatiera shared that Bentley wears a gold cape with a “B” on it every day to feel like a superhero during his treatment. The Make-A-Wish Iowa staff made Victory her own gold cape with an embordered “V” to match Bentley’s that she wore when she was delivered.

“We gave Bentley his medicine this morning [before Victory was delivered], which is supposed to make him sleep all day,” Shatiera remembers. “He woke up and saw that Victory was sleeping on his lap and got so excited. Victory slept with him all day, cuddling.”

Bentley passed away on September 1, 2021. Through his battle with cancer, Victory gave Bentley comfort and joy in his final days.