Ben is an eight year old boy who loves to play baseball, spend time with his family and loves making his friends laugh. Both of his parents are military veterans whose dedication to their son has been unparalleled. 

Approximately a month ago Ben had his first seizure and was admitted to Children's Hospital of Buffalo.



Initially the diagnosis was meningitis and Ben underwent painful testing and treatments all the while worsening in condition.  As the seizures continued (more than 30 a week) the risk of permanent cognitive damage heightened. The seizures cause him to become very confused and his cognitive response continues to slow with each one.

 

After weeks of treatment the doctors determined Ben does not have meningitis and he may have Autoimmune Encephalitis. The new medication causes Ben to have serve hallucinations and terrors.

 

Over the next week Ben will start a new treatment, Plasmapheresis where he will receive donor plasma. After four treatments (which will take a week) the doctors at Children’s will know if this treatment is working.

 

While his cognitive responses continue to slow their hopes are high.

As Ben has been in the hospital so long and his length of stay is unknown his parents are enduring copays, parking costs and loss of wages from work. 

While we know money is tight, we ask that you please help his parents support him in his fight to come back home and resume his childhood.