About Us

Established in 2023, the Ronald Benjamin Heart of Hope’s mission is to provide resources and support to increase public awareness of coronary heart disease and promote the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Ronald Benjamin, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and a dear friend, tragically passed away on August 1st, 2021 from a fatal heart attack at the age of 55.  To continue Ronald’s legacy of generosity, kindness, genuine care and empathy for others, Ronald Benjamin Heart of Hope, a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization, works in various communities to provide health screening, education, and resources to promote a healthy living lifestyle and bring awareness to heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.  One person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease.  About 695,000 people in the United States died from heart disease in 2021—that is 1 in every 5 deaths.  The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), which can lead to heart attacks. One can greatly reduce their risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine.

Join us to make a change! Whether you are most comfortable contributing time to help achieve our mission and vision, a donation to help us grow, or lending us your expertise, we need you on our team.

About Ron

Ron was extremely intelligent and to the envy of many, did not have to exert much effort into his academic journey. He graduated from Southeast Asia Union College in Singapore through an affiliated program from Walla Walla University, College Place, WA with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting, and minoring in Management. Ron rose to the ranks very early in his career to become the Chief Financial Accountant in Malaysia before deciding to pursue further education in the United States.  Subsequently, Southwest Michigan became his home for the next 30+ years.

Ron’s academic pursuit in Computer Programming catapulted his successful career in IT Strategic Planning and Management serving in various roles from Senior Network Analyst to IT Director.  His niche was in providing customer service solutions, building solid support processes, infrastructure management, and establishment of IT security best practices.  

His demanding, stressful, and successful career did not stop him from living a life full of laughter, love, tenacity, and fulfillment.  He enjoyed home projects and took great pride in tasks around his home, his parents, family, and friends.  Ron had a passion for books and loved reading.  He also enjoyed biking, cooking, and baking.  One of his favorite things was catching sunsets at the beach.  Above all, he loved spending time with family and friends.  He simply adored his nieces and nephews and never missed celebrating their achievements, big or small.  He would often drive hours to spend time with them.  Christmas brought a special joy to Ron because he could shower them with gifts from their wish lists.

Ron was very involved in the lives of his elderly parents and visited with them almost daily.  He was there for them whether it was to fix an internet connection, shop for groceries, drive them to doctor’s appointments, mow their lawn, shovel their driveway, or help with a home renovation project.  Acknowledging that they were growing older, Ron was instrumental in planning many family reunions which created the best memories for all to hold dear.

Ron’s health issues began in 2016.  He was diagnosed with a severe case of diverticulitis which required a major surgery and recuperation, but he handled it with such grace and strength that allowed him to fully recover.  He resumed biking, both to better his health and for recreation. In 2019, he was diagnosed with coronary heart disease which required a few cardiac procedures. He was seemingly doing well and appeared healthy, but on August 1st, 2021, at the age of 55, he suffered a fatal heart attack in his home.  His sudden and untimely death shook his family and friends to the core.

Following his death, there have been many who have outwardly spoken about how Ron had touched their lives quietly and in ways unbeknownst to even those closest to him.  To those who knew him, he stood tall and strong with a voice that commanded a room and a unique sense of humor that was unforgettable.  He was certainly all that, but more importantly, he was extremely kind-hearted, sensitive, and caring beyond measure. Ron was truly one of the most genuine and generous souls to ever walk this earth. The light he brought to lives around him will forever be missed and can never be replaced.

Meet the Team

  • Richard Benjamin

    President

  • Beatrice Barnabas

    Vice President of Finance

  • Michael Tan

    Vice President of Operations

  • Robert Benjamin

    Vice President of Philanthropy & Advancement

  • Stephen Daniel

    Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing