Ben loves everyone. He never meets a stranger. He is always happy & touches the hearts of those who know & love him.
Favorite Hobbies:
Ben loves sports especially basketball, football, & baseball. He is fond of tractors, semi trucks, and other heavy equipment. He also enjoys dogs & cats.
Proudest Accomplishment:
Ben’s proudest accomplishment is that he has taught his big sister Emily how to love again and the importance of brother/sister relationships, after she already lost her older brother to the same disease.
MPS Heroes:
Dr. Craig Erickson has been such a key person in helping us control Ben's behaviors. He is easy to talk to & is able to reach Ben on a down to earth level.
Words of Wisdom:
Enjoy your child no matter what. Cherish the short time you have with him or her. Rely on the support of family & friends. You will need it.
Personal Diagnosis Experience:
Ben was diagnosed with Sanfilippo-B before he was born. An amniocentesis confirmed that Ben had the disease. Ben's older brother, Zach, who he has never known, died from the same disease in 1998. We took the knowledge of the diagnosis & decided that we, his parents, were going to embrace Ben & use all our knowledge from raising & losing Zach. Ben has been a true blessing to us & all who know him. While it is very challenging & difficult at times we realize that he has a purpose on this earth as we all do. Ben is full of love. He will never experience the emotions of jealousy, prejudice, hate, anger, or guilt. Ben's world is happy. We are honored to be his parents.
