Help Ben Heal
Donation protected
Not giving up on Ben:
Hi friends and family,
On Tuesday, December 15, 2020 our sweet Ben Pannenbacker went to the ER after a recent period of declining health and increasing inability to perform routine daily activities. He was told he would not live the next 24 hour period and that there was nothing that could be done. Refusing to go to the Dr. previously due to no health insurance and the inevitable costs that would follow a visit to the ER, Ben experienced nausea, lethargy, jaundice and frequent periods of brain fog for months. Finally convinced to go to Dr. in October, he was diagnosed with Hepatitis A and told the symptoms he was experiencing would go away with time and that he should follow up with an appointment with the gastroenterologist. Ben took the first available appointment, which was the first week of January.
Things took a turn for the worst and he could not wait any longer. Ben made the decision to go to the ER on the morning of Tuesday, December 15th after his health reached a point where he could not walk. He heard his devastating fate according to those Drs. - he was suffering from kidney and liver failure with what was thought to be an esophageal bleed due to acute hepatitis. The local ER proclaimed their inability to help him since they did not have the capacity to treat his condition successfully. He would need a liver transplant to survive, his esophagus banded and 24 hour dialysis immediately. The family was asked if they wanted Hospice called in.
17 hospitals within a 4 state area turned him away, stating there were no available beds in their facilities due to COVID-19. Ben's family and friends were not willing to accept there wasn't something that could be done, and thankfully kept pushing his Drs., calling hospitals and using any and all connections in the Healthcare field. Finally, as fate would actually have it, a Dr. at Chapel Hill who had trained with the ER doctor attending Ben that day reached out to her personally after hearing of Ben's grave condition to say he thought their hospital would take him. Ben was airlifted to the UNC Chapel Hill Hospital within 2 hoursAlthough this lifesaving step did get Ben to a facility that could offer treatment, Ben's condition is critical, but improving!
The need for liver transplant is still unknown depending on how much Ben improves these next few days. It's still possible for him to recover enough to survive without a transplant. If it is necessary, the likelihood of Ben being added to the waitlist without a several hundred thousand dollar deposit is very slim.
Transplant aside, the cost of the airlift alone was $10,000. With no income, due to the inability to work these last few months, the cost of Ben's illness is already devastating to think about. There is no price on life and the opportunity to see his beautiful son, Liam, grow into a man. Ben certainly deserves that chance! Family oriented, friendly, hardworking and dedicated. These are just a few words to describe Ben. He is a devoted father and son, driven by the need to be there for those he loves, help others in need and of course he shares his passion for music. He is a fierce advocate for those who can't always help themselves. Right now, he needs our help. Anything you can do to help Ben is very much appreciated.
Much love,
Ben and Family
Hi friends and family,
On Tuesday, December 15, 2020 our sweet Ben Pannenbacker went to the ER after a recent period of declining health and increasing inability to perform routine daily activities. He was told he would not live the next 24 hour period and that there was nothing that could be done. Refusing to go to the Dr. previously due to no health insurance and the inevitable costs that would follow a visit to the ER, Ben experienced nausea, lethargy, jaundice and frequent periods of brain fog for months. Finally convinced to go to Dr. in October, he was diagnosed with Hepatitis A and told the symptoms he was experiencing would go away with time and that he should follow up with an appointment with the gastroenterologist. Ben took the first available appointment, which was the first week of January.
Things took a turn for the worst and he could not wait any longer. Ben made the decision to go to the ER on the morning of Tuesday, December 15th after his health reached a point where he could not walk. He heard his devastating fate according to those Drs. - he was suffering from kidney and liver failure with what was thought to be an esophageal bleed due to acute hepatitis. The local ER proclaimed their inability to help him since they did not have the capacity to treat his condition successfully. He would need a liver transplant to survive, his esophagus banded and 24 hour dialysis immediately. The family was asked if they wanted Hospice called in.
17 hospitals within a 4 state area turned him away, stating there were no available beds in their facilities due to COVID-19. Ben's family and friends were not willing to accept there wasn't something that could be done, and thankfully kept pushing his Drs., calling hospitals and using any and all connections in the Healthcare field. Finally, as fate would actually have it, a Dr. at Chapel Hill who had trained with the ER doctor attending Ben that day reached out to her personally after hearing of Ben's grave condition to say he thought their hospital would take him. Ben was airlifted to the UNC Chapel Hill Hospital within 2 hoursAlthough this lifesaving step did get Ben to a facility that could offer treatment, Ben's condition is critical, but improving!
The need for liver transplant is still unknown depending on how much Ben improves these next few days. It's still possible for him to recover enough to survive without a transplant. If it is necessary, the likelihood of Ben being added to the waitlist without a several hundred thousand dollar deposit is very slim.
Transplant aside, the cost of the airlift alone was $10,000. With no income, due to the inability to work these last few months, the cost of Ben's illness is already devastating to think about. There is no price on life and the opportunity to see his beautiful son, Liam, grow into a man. Ben certainly deserves that chance! Family oriented, friendly, hardworking and dedicated. These are just a few words to describe Ben. He is a devoted father and son, driven by the need to be there for those he loves, help others in need and of course he shares his passion for music. He is a fierce advocate for those who can't always help themselves. Right now, he needs our help. Anything you can do to help Ben is very much appreciated.
Much love,
Ben and Family
Organizer and beneficiary
Carey Houck
Organizer
Charlotte, NC
Ben Pannenbacker
Beneficiary