About
Us
Our promise is to serve as conduits
of God's grace, mercy and Love.
Benjamin was a pioneer in the naturopathic treatment of infants with cancer and genetic conditions.
Benjamin's extraordinary story began even before birth, when he was diagnosed in utero with Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome).
His journey continued to present challenges when, within his first year, he faced additional devastating diagnoses: severe pulmonary hypertension alongside two rare forms of liver cancer - Hepatoblastoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Traditional cancer treatments weren't an option due to his pulmonary condition, but this challenge became the gateway to an extraordinary path of healing through faith and natural medicine.
Through God's grace and innovative naturopathic treatments, Benjamin achieved what many thought impossible - overcoming both his cancers and reversing his pulmonary hypertension. Though his earthly journey ended unexpectedly due to a tracheotomy equipment accident just before his third birthday, his impact on this world had only begun.
While his passing deeply affected his parents' hearts, it ignited a powerful mission that lives on today through The Benjamin Mario Shadrick Foundation. His parents' pledge remains steadfast: to serve the Lord until they reunite with their beloved son. In everything we do, we give all glory to God, continuing Benjamin's legacy of hope and healing for other children facing similar challenges.
Eye on Annapolis Interview: Sharing Benjamin's Story
Kirk and Leslie Shadrick appeared on Eye on Annapolis with host John Frenaye to share the powerful story of Benjamin Mario Shadrick and The Benjamin Mario Shadrick Foundation's mission. In this heartfelt interview, The Shadricks opened up about Benjamin's miraculous journey - from his birth with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and the doctors' prediction that he had only 24 hours to live, to his complete healing from liver cancer through alternative treatments including Gerson Therapy.
The Founders
Kirk Shadrick
President / CEO
Kirk Shadrick
President & CEO | Retired U.S. Coast Guard Senior Officer
Kirk Shadrick is the President and CEO of The Benjamin Mario Shadrick Foundation and the father of Benjamin Mario Shadrick. A retired senior officer of the United States Coast Guard, he brings over 30 years of leadership in global logistics, ship maintenance, project management, and large-scale budgeting to the foundation’s mission.
Over his Coast Guard career, Kirk managed a $400M+ logistics budget, supported more than 1,800 personnel, and oversaw maintenance and readiness for ships and boats worldwide. That experience in building and sustaining complex systems now guides the planning, stewardship, and long-term sustainability of Casa Benjamin in Zacatlán, Puebla.
For Kirk, this work is both a calling and a way to honor Benjamin’s legacy. He believes excellence in operations is a form of worship and is committed to building a Christ-centered, medically focused, and financially transparent orphanage where vulnerable children receive world-class care and the love of God.
Leslie Shadrick
Executive Director
Leslie Shadrick
Executive Director, Founder & Ben’s Mom
Leslie Shadrick co-founded The Benjamin Mario Shadrick Foundation to honor her son Benjamin, who lived courageously with Edwards Syndrome and liver cancer for three years. As Executive Director, she blends her lived experience as an advocate mom with professional expertise in nonprofit leadership, bilingual education, and family development to lead the foundation’s mission of transforming children’s lives through faith and healing.
Fluent in Spanish and deeply rooted in both U.S. and Mexican communities, Leslie is leading the vision for Casa Benjamin—a LEED-certified, self-sustainable orphanage in Zacatlán, Puebla—so that medically fragile and orphaned children can experience hope, family, and the love of Christ.
Our Team (Mexico)
We are grateful for our trusted legal partners in Mexico, who guide us through the complex details of land purchase, foundation registration, and regulatory compliance. Their expertise protects our children, our staff, and our mission, ensuring Casa Benjamin is built on a foundation of integrity, transparency, and respect for local law and community.
Daniel Hernández y Viazcán
Attorney At Law
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Daniel Hernández y Viazcán
Legal Counsel – Mexico Operations | ROVII Abogados
Daniel Hernández y Viazcán serves as legal counsel for The Benjamin Mario Shadrick Foundation’s Mexico operations, guiding the Casa Benjamin project through Mexico’s legal and regulatory landscape. An attorney with deep expertise in administrative and agrarian law, transparency regulations, and tax compliance, he ensures the foundation’s work in Zacatlán, Puebla is fully aligned with Mexican law and best practices.
A graduate of Universidad La Salle México with a Law Degree and a diploma in Tax Advisory and Control from ITAM, Daniel has held key roles within major Mexican institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit and the National Electoral Institute (INE). His experience in government, private practice, and legal research equips him to oversee land acquisition, regulatory compliance, contracts, and government relations for Casa Benjamin.
Daniel is committed to building a solid legal foundation for the orphanage so that its Christ-centered, naturopathic, and sustainable care for orphaned and special needs children can flourish for generations to come.