Ben Cockram has been a friend and has inspired many over the years, so a few of us (Emily, Grace and Rick) have come together to raise money for him in this time of need.

Rick and Ben have been friends for over twenty years, and Emily has been friends with him for six years. During the years we have known him, he has been one of the most positive-thinking people we know. That’s pretty remarkable when you consider he was born with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Spastic Cerebral Palsy causes the brain to constantly tell muscles to tighten and never relax, resulting in constant pain that has increased every year of his life. His pain level is usually at 8 out of 10. For most of us, that’s unimaginable. But, when many people would want to throw in the towel, give up, and play the victim card, Ben never has. It’s simply not who he is. He has continued to be the same generous, kind person with what may be one of the goofiest senses of humor we’ve ever experienced.

He has never been a victim but instead a conqueror. Despite his disability, he has been active in many aspects of ministry his entire adult life. When you get to know Ben, you almost forget he has a disability. One summer he went on a student mission trip with Rick’s wife, who was then a youth pastor. She had broken her foot and was in a boot. To make the trip easier and reduce the walking, she got a handicap tag for their van and brought a wheelchair for the days that required a lot of walking. When Ben saw the handicap tag and wheelchair, he said, “Thanks for the parking tag and wheelchair. That’ll make it a lot easier for me.” Rick’s wife looked at him and said, ”Ben, those are for me.” He looked at her with his mischief-filled grin and said, “I thought you got them for me. I AM handicapped you know!”

That pretty much sums up what Ben is like. Never the victim. Never expecting any special treatment. His positive “can do” attitude almost makes it easy not to think of him as disabled. But his body works against him every day of his life. He has never been pain-free. His Spastic Cerebral Palsy has taken its toll as the years have passed. The constant pain has become exhausting. Everyday tasks for us are a painful challenge for Ben.

Ben did a test dosage of baclofen just a few weeks ago to see how a different approach to pain management could help him. During the test, his pain went from an 8 out of 10 all the way down to a 3! His muscles relaxed so much that instead of his leg only straightening to 145 degrees, for the first time, it straightened to a full 180 degrees! His balance improved. His ability to walk mostly pain-free was like receiving a new life.

Now Ben and his family are at a crossroads. Thanks to some very successful medical tests, he received the great news that physicians can surgically implant a baclofen pump (the size of a hockey puck) in his abdomen. With this pump, pain-relieving medication will be delivered directly to his spine day and night.

After the surgery, Ben will be off work for some time to recover. Yet life and its expenses will continue. Rent will still be due, utilities paid, medical expenses covered, and groceries will need to be purchased. This is where all of us come in.

Ben, together with his wife, have made many sacrifices over the years to provide for their family. Due to unique family needs, Ben has been the sole income provider for over 3 years now. This life-changing procedure and follow-up care will require time away from work, and foreseen and unforeseen medical & family living expenses will arise.

By joining Ben and his family as they enter this new chapter in life, your generous gifts will allow them to move forward to a quality of life they never believed was possible.

Now we all have an opportunity to love on Ben and his family in a way that will literally be life-changing. Your non-tax deductible gift will make a difference in their life for many years to come.

Thank you for your love and care and your generous gift of financial support.