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My son, Benjamin Griffin, was a vigorous, active young man. He worked as a landscaper, lifted weights and had just gotten engaged to a very special young lady. But on May 23, 2006, Ben's life took a dramatic change. An automobile wreck shattered his C6/7 vertebrae and left him a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the upper chest down. He was only 23 years old.
During the ensuing months that followed his accident, Ben survived surgical repairs to his vertebrae, staph infections, an e coli infection (which required another emergency surgery), collapsed lungs, several bouts with pneumonia, insertion of a super pubic catheter, his engagement was broken off and understandable depression. In just the past few years he has undergone even more surgeries including bursa (13 follow up minor surgeries for the bursa), a toe amputation, gall bladder, colon rectal surgery, insertions of baclofen pump, spinal cord stimulator and other less evasive procedures. One of the worse was c-diff that took over a year to recover causing him to have to drop out of LSU. Ben's situation is better now and his attitude is seemingly very positive but he still battles depression. Acute recovery is mostly behind him but Ben still faces medical problems and extensive physical rehabilitation.
Ben's hurt has been shared by our entire family and it has taken a financial toll as well. My house was not handicap accessible, but thankfully my parents' home could be modified to accommodate Ben's special needs. A major expense was converting a hall bath into a handicap shower. He lives with my parents not far from me. A sitter comes five days a week during the day to help Ben with his personal, medical and body function needs so that my parents and I can continue to work. We handle his needs during off-hours and weekends.
We are responsible for the cost of nursing/sitters ($30,000+), building modifications and numerous supplies including catheter bags, diapers, specialist/doctor's appointments, etc.
I’m reaching out now to my family and friends because my parents need to downsize and Ben needs independence. My stepdad’s health has declined and mom needs to retire in order to help with Paw’s declining health. They are getting up in age and cannot handle the needs Ben has on a daily basis and my job requires me to travel.
Ben needs to be in an environment that will help him achieve more independence. Our first step in helping him achieve this goal is the Shepherd Center. We are here now in Atlanta in the Day Program where Ben is building his strength and confidence. Next is trying to find a facility or home where Ben can continue to achieve his goals of finishing college and possibly getting a part-time job.
A special needs trust has been established to help with Ben's ongoing needs with nursing assistance, doctor’s appointments, supplies, sitters, housing, etc. I’m asking for help with donations to Ben’s special needs trust fund. Please consider contributing to this worthwhile cause towards Ben’s independence. I can't thank you enough.
Checks can be written to "Ben Griffin Special Needs Trust Fund" and mailed to c/o Pam Small, 9422 Country Lake Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70817.
During the ensuing months that followed his accident, Ben survived surgical repairs to his vertebrae, staph infections, an e coli infection (which required another emergency surgery), collapsed lungs, several bouts with pneumonia, insertion of a super pubic catheter, his engagement was broken off and understandable depression. In just the past few years he has undergone even more surgeries including bursa (13 follow up minor surgeries for the bursa), a toe amputation, gall bladder, colon rectal surgery, insertions of baclofen pump, spinal cord stimulator and other less evasive procedures. One of the worse was c-diff that took over a year to recover causing him to have to drop out of LSU. Ben's situation is better now and his attitude is seemingly very positive but he still battles depression. Acute recovery is mostly behind him but Ben still faces medical problems and extensive physical rehabilitation.
Ben's hurt has been shared by our entire family and it has taken a financial toll as well. My house was not handicap accessible, but thankfully my parents' home could be modified to accommodate Ben's special needs. A major expense was converting a hall bath into a handicap shower. He lives with my parents not far from me. A sitter comes five days a week during the day to help Ben with his personal, medical and body function needs so that my parents and I can continue to work. We handle his needs during off-hours and weekends.
We are responsible for the cost of nursing/sitters ($30,000+), building modifications and numerous supplies including catheter bags, diapers, specialist/doctor's appointments, etc.
I’m reaching out now to my family and friends because my parents need to downsize and Ben needs independence. My stepdad’s health has declined and mom needs to retire in order to help with Paw’s declining health. They are getting up in age and cannot handle the needs Ben has on a daily basis and my job requires me to travel.
Ben needs to be in an environment that will help him achieve more independence. Our first step in helping him achieve this goal is the Shepherd Center. We are here now in Atlanta in the Day Program where Ben is building his strength and confidence. Next is trying to find a facility or home where Ben can continue to achieve his goals of finishing college and possibly getting a part-time job.
A special needs trust has been established to help with Ben's ongoing needs with nursing assistance, doctor’s appointments, supplies, sitters, housing, etc. I’m asking for help with donations to Ben’s special needs trust fund. Please consider contributing to this worthwhile cause towards Ben’s independence. I can't thank you enough.
Checks can be written to "Ben Griffin Special Needs Trust Fund" and mailed to c/o Pam Small, 9422 Country Lake Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70817.