Chronic illness and terminal diagnoses, such as Ben’s, can place intense emotional and financial strain on loved ones — often leading to unexpected hospital bills, specialist treatment costs, and even the need for critical illness insurance coverage.
A Controversial but Compelling Love Story
Rathbun first appeared on the TLC spinoff in December 2021, where viewers followed his online relationship with 22-year-old South American girlfriend Mahogany Roca, who was 30 years his junior. At the time, Rathbun was 52.
The couple’s relationship drew skepticism, with many fans believing Roca might be catfishing him — a concern not uncommon in relationships that evolve online, where cross-border marriage visas and international spousal insurance eligibility can become complex legal topics.
Despite the doubts, the pair met in person in Peru and ultimately proved the critics wrong. The first in-person meeting was awkward, especially when Rathbun learned that Mahogany had told him she was 24, but was actually 22.
They eventually became engaged during another trip to Peru. In a YouTube video from 2022, Rathbun documented the proposal at the same restaurant where they first met.
“I just asked her to be my wife and she said…,” he said in the clip, with Mahogany adding, “Yes.”
