Hello, I’m Kelly. One year ago today, my son Benjamin was tragically struck by a car. Since that day, our lives have changed in ways I never could have imagined. He remains hospitalized and bedridden, continuing to fight through an incredibly challenging recovery journey.

As a parent, my focus has been on being by his side, advocating for his care, and supporting him every step of the way. We are a 100% Disabled Retired Military Family. The emotional and financial strain of this past year has been overwhelming. Between ongoing expenses and the time required to care for my son, I have fallen behind financially and am now at risk of losing my home.

Asking for help is not easy, but I am reaching out in hopes of keeping a stable place to live while my son continues his recovery. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help with housing costs, essential bills, and maintaining a foundation for our family during this difficult time.

If you are unable to donate, sharing our story would mean just as much. Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support as we continue to hope for brighter days ahead.

Our Story - A year of struggle

On May 29, 2025 My Son Benjamin’s (26) life was changed in an instant. He was hit by a vehicle while walking across a crosswalk. Tragically, the driver continued for another block with Benjamin pinned beneath the car. It took a second emergency rescue team to lift the vehicle off of him.

Benjamin was rushed to a nearby trauma hospital, where a dedicated team of doctors and nurses performed life-saving operations. He was placed in a medically induced coma and remained in the Trauma ICU (TICU) for over two months.

One year ago this day May 29, 2026 and to this day, Benjamin has undergone 30 surgeries to repair the immense damage to his body. His injuries were so severe that his case is now being used by the Trauma Team as a medical case study—a testament to how much he’s endured and how far he’s come.

But despite all odds, Benjamin survived. He is a miracle. He’s still fighting!

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His Current Condition

Benjamin is still bedridden and requires around-the-clock care and more surgery. He has severe wounds that require daily dressing changes and his abdomen remains open and requires a wound vac. He’s fighting infections. It’s required to be fully gowned with gloves when visiting. His recovery will be long, painful, and full of unknowns. His doctors have told us that he will need to remain in the hospital for several more months before he can be transferred to a rehabilitation center, where he will begin the next stage of recovery and learn to rebuild his strength.

Progress is slow, but every small improvement is a victory. He is fighting hard every single day.

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Why We’re Asking for Help

I’m Benjamin’s mom, Kelly. When I got the call from the hospital, I flew from New York to California immediately, not knowing what I would find. I spent the first two weeks sleeping in the TICU beside my son. My husband later joined me so we could find temporary housing and stay close to Benjamin through this difficult time. We’ve now had to relocate to California to support him during his long hospital stay and rehabilitation.

At the same time, we are still paying our mortgage and household bills back home in New York, where our younger daughter remains. We are doing our best to stay strong and stable for all of our children. Our military retirement helps make some ends meet but we continue to fall short. We have had significant water damage to our home while dealing with the ongoing medical situation and we continue to take steps backwards and fall short. We are grateful to our neighbors and family who have helped with situations while we have been in CA.

Our oldest daughter is now on active duty and just returned home serving on her first overseas deployment. During her Deployment the Red Cross flew her to CA to visit Benjamin. We are proud of our family’s service, but this has added another emotional layer to an already heartbreaking time.

Between the ongoing medical costs, temporary housing, repairing and maintaining our home in New York, the financial strain is more than we can manage alone. It is difficult but we have no other options then to ask for help.

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The Additional Challenge: Benjamin’s Personal Possessions

While dealing with Benjamin’s life-threatening injuries and his recovery, we’ve learned that another painful and unfair situation has unfolded. Benjamin’s personal belongings—including all of his clothes, shoes, photos, creative art, and recorded music sessions—were wrongfully taken from his apartment by the Housing Association office. These possessions, some of which are irreplaceable, were given away without permission or consent, and we had no prior knowledge of this action.

Among these items was also Benjamin’s wallet, which contained important documents including his Social Security Card. We’re devastated by the loss of these personal items that hold so much value, not just in material terms, but as part of his identity and creative expression.

We’re still trying to get more information about this matter, but in the meantime, this only adds to the stress of an already overwhelming situation.

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How Your Support Helps

Your donation will go directly toward:

• Benjamin’s ongoing medical expenses and surgeries

• Hospital stay and specialized treatment

• Future rehabilitation and physical therapy

• Temporary housing and travel expenses in California

• Mortgage and household bills in New York while we’re away

• Medical equipment and accessibility needs when Benjamin is eventually discharged

• Replacement of Benjamin’s lost personal items, including his wallet and important documents

Even the smallest gift makes a difference—and if you’re not able to give, sharing this campaign with your friends, family, or community is an incredible help.

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From Our Family to Yours

We are holding on to hope. We believe in Benjamin’s strength. We see miracles in his survival, and we know his journey is far from over.

We are grateful beyond words for every act of kindness—whether it’s a donation, a prayer, or simply a share of Benjamin’s story. Your support reminds us that we are not alone in this fight.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kelly, Benjamin’s Mom

#BenjaminStrong