
Help Ben, Beloved Teacher, Recover from Meningitis
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On Friday, April 30th, Ben Drenning said goodbye to his Mountainside Montessori class of three to six year-olds, and left school early with a very bad headache...
In a matter of hours he was fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit where he stayed for seven days before he was finally stabilized. Ben has been hospitalized for more than a month, and will soon be discharged from the hospital, entering the rehabilitation phase where his healing journey will continue for many months to come. He is working hard with his medical team to regain his strength, stability, and brain function.
This fundraiser has been organized by Montessori parents and friends of Ben's, who know him as an incredible Montessori Guide, wilderness leader, special-needs teacher, kind co-worker and generous friend. Ben needs help and support as he continues to heal from traumatic brain injury.
Please give generously.
100% of your donation will help with the extensive cost of his medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation care, and critical financial needs .
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More about Ben...
Ben’s profound love of nature and passion for teaching has made a difference in countless lives. He has focused much of his time on supporting special needs children with the healing power of time in the wild. His wilderness camps for youth of all ages have been immeasurably therapeutic for many children and their families.

Ben is always the first to volunteer and help when someone needs a hand, and there is no one more deserving of support as he continues to navigate this challenging time.
What friends are saying about Ben Drenning:
“I like when Mr. Drenning races with us around the playground. He means a lot to me. I want him to get better!” – Henry H. (Ben’s student, age 5)

“Ben brings such a gentle spirit and kindness to his work with the children. He is a focused listener and the kind of person who makes you feel immediately calm and firmly grounded when you’re with him. I’ve been thankful this year for the many ways he has shown up for me - my children - and our School, and I’m glad we can all show up for him right now as he continues to heal.” (A co-worker, friend, and Montessori parent)
“We’ve always been so impressed with Mr. Drenning’s intuitive style of teaching. Through his guidance, patience and never-ending support his students find their independence and build their confidence. Also, his love and appreciation for Nature is quite contagious.” - Maleina H. (Parent of participants in Mr. Drenning’s wilderness camp)

Thank you for your support.
In a matter of hours he was fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit where he stayed for seven days before he was finally stabilized. Ben has been hospitalized for more than a month, and will soon be discharged from the hospital, entering the rehabilitation phase where his healing journey will continue for many months to come. He is working hard with his medical team to regain his strength, stability, and brain function.
This fundraiser has been organized by Montessori parents and friends of Ben's, who know him as an incredible Montessori Guide, wilderness leader, special-needs teacher, kind co-worker and generous friend. Ben needs help and support as he continues to heal from traumatic brain injury.
Please give generously.
100% of your donation will help with the extensive cost of his medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation care, and critical financial needs .
-------------------------------
More about Ben...
Ben’s profound love of nature and passion for teaching has made a difference in countless lives. He has focused much of his time on supporting special needs children with the healing power of time in the wild. His wilderness camps for youth of all ages have been immeasurably therapeutic for many children and their families.

Ben is always the first to volunteer and help when someone needs a hand, and there is no one more deserving of support as he continues to navigate this challenging time.
What friends are saying about Ben Drenning:

“I like when Mr. Drenning races with us around the playground. He means a lot to me. I want him to get better!” – Henry H. (Ben’s student, age 5)

“Ben brings such a gentle spirit and kindness to his work with the children. He is a focused listener and the kind of person who makes you feel immediately calm and firmly grounded when you’re with him. I’ve been thankful this year for the many ways he has shown up for me - my children - and our School, and I’m glad we can all show up for him right now as he continues to heal.” (A co-worker, friend, and Montessori parent)
“We’ve always been so impressed with Mr. Drenning’s intuitive style of teaching. Through his guidance, patience and never-ending support his students find their independence and build their confidence. Also, his love and appreciation for Nature is quite contagious.” - Maleina H. (Parent of participants in Mr. Drenning’s wilderness camp)

Thank you for your support.
Co-organizers (2)
Mountainside Montessori Parents and Friends of Ben Drenning
Organizer
Skyland Estates, VA
Ashley Drenning
Beneficiary
Ben’s Friends
Co-organizer