Benny's Battle: A Family in Need

My name is Jennifer Sorrell Pressnell and I’m trying to help my family in a definite time of need. I humbly come to you on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law, Benny and Heather Sorrell. They do not want to “ask” for help however the need has grown significantly in the recent months. Benny was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease nine years ago at the age of only 42. His disease has progressed rapidly over the last several months. Benny and Heather have been married for 28 years and are faithful Christians living and worshiping in north central Alabama. Benny works for Jefferson County and Heather is a stay at home wife. Although still employed at this time, Benny’s severe health issues cause him to not be able to work regularly.

Some of the main issues he faces daily due to the Parkinson’s disease are problems walking, the act of eating, difficulty breathing due to restrictive lung disease, speaking, swallowing, short term memory loss, many cognitive deficits, frequent falls, and all over head-to-toe pain. He has severe back problems. Benny has had 2 major brain surgeries to help with the Parkinson’s.

Benny is in the process of retiring due to disability, albeit much earlier than they could've imagined. His employment has a retirement board and they have their process that is proving trying to say the least. The paperwork was submitted in early May at which point they were told they could expect at least 6 months if not longer for a decision. Retiring early will cause his income to be drastically reduced. Benny and Heather are a one income family. Heather is trying to get her book keeping certification to eventually assist in providing for the family though that has taken a back seat of late. Heather is Benny’s full-time caregiver. Hannah, their only child, works full time and goes to school while contributing to the family financially. Hannah assists Heather with Benny’s care generously. Additionally, Heather provides care for her 86 year old Dad, Dan Pinion, and manages his household, now including his bills. The past few months have been especially trying because her Dad has recently been through a very arduous and grueling health ordeal that included multiple severe falls, a particularly difficult surgery followed by a 10 day hospital stay, 6 weeks in rehab, and has finally ended with Dan being placed in long-term care. Benny and Heather have had an abnormal amount of extra expenses surrounding caring for her Dad that have really mounted up recently.

Presently there are quite a few medical equipment needs and several household supplies needed to adequately provide for Benny’s care. I will say here that Heather is not in the best health either and all that she has on her plate doesn’t help. Benny and Heather’s faith has been challenged often but they keep steadfast in trusting our God. I admire Heather’s confidence in prayer and leaning on others in their time of need.

This Go Fund Me will help provide relief for the Benny Sorrell family’s medical and financial needs to dig out of the hole they are in now and move forward over the next several months. Benny, Heather, and Hannah are very humbled and grateful for any assistance that we can provide for them. Heather wanted me to know she is deeply committed to being a good steward in all things God blesses them with particularly any monetary assistance from this fund raiser. She said she will work aggressively to stretch them as far as they would go.

Please consider helping them if you can and remember them in prayer often.