Ben Viray's Medical Recovery and Support

On July 28, 2021, Ben Viray suffered a thalamic hemorrhagic stroke which is a rupture of the blood vessel in the thalamus part of the brain that controls memory, sleep-wake cycle, sensory input and sensory motor control.

The rupture occurred on the left side of his brain, therefore affecting the right side of his body. He has numbness on the right side of his face, entire arm and leg.

He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for a week and afterwards remained at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital to receive intensive Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy for a period of two weeks.

Before the stroke Ben was the sole provider for his wife and two sons who are currently attending UNLV. He was previously a chef at Stations Casino for 16 years, and currently works at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

His career in the hospitality industry started as a bellhop, then as a room service attendant and lastly mentored by a French trained chef. This led to his future career as a chef working in a variety of restaurants on the East and West coast and eventually settling in Las Vegas in 2004. It’s imperative Ben regains his sensory and motor control skills to continue doing what he loves most, aside from his family, which is cooking and working with his colleagues.

The one silver lining through all this, his wife Elsie was able to land a temporary contract job. Her job is providing some assistance but a Go Fund Me would help cover the cost of the medical bills, medical equipment and continued rehabilitation services. Additionally, he requires constant supervision while at home and fortunately his sons are able to provide the care while currently attending hybrid classes. Ben’s extended family members will also help in his road to recovery.

He’s made some progress while at the rehabilitation hospital but his journey to recovery has only begun. Currently while supervised, Ben is able to stand and walk with the aid of a walker and a wheelchair for a limited period of time. Additionally, the sensation and slight mobility on the right side of his body is slowly returning, but the numbness is still present. Ben’s ultimate goal is to regain the strength and fluid mobility to the right side of his body.

At this time we are uncertain how long Ben will need Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy. According to his initial assessment at the outpatient rehabilitation center, they estimate a minimum of six months of therapy.

We greatly appreciate any help you are able to provide Ben and his family, and if you could please share his story with others.

Thank you!