These videos are in the Quicktime .mov format. In order to play them you must have Quicktime installed on your computer. If you have trouble playing them, try downloading the quicktime player from Apple by clicking here.
For praise reports from those who have been impacted by Ben and his story...............click here
Thursday (12-13) - Ben is as close to normal as we could have ever hoped he would be. He has been back in school since October 29th and his grades are remarkably good considering he missed class for close to three months. He has adapted very well to life in school. He continues to use his wheel chair for safety reasons at school but he never uses it anywhere else. On December 12th, Ben and I went to Northpoint Community Church in Alpharetta to videotape an interview with Lanny Donoho, the emcee of the BigStuf camps that the youth at Flat Creek have attended for several years. Ben's story will be broadcast over the internet at a future date.
Sharon, Ben, Trey, Beth, Debra, and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been concerned and praying over these past 4 months. We have, beyond any doubt, seen the powerful hand of God at work in all of our lives, but especially in Ben. His goodness and faithfulness is more real than it has ever been.
Continue to pray for Ben's recovery. He is and will always be a quadriplegic. He goes to therapy twice a week in Gainesville and we have seen a vast improvement in his walking just in the last several weeks. His right hand and his failure to feel pain and temperature on his left side remain as the most telling signs of his injury. All-in-all...God is good all the time and all the time God is good. (Loren)
Monday (10-29) 12:00 PM - Ben walked out of Shepherd Spinal Center on Friday for the last time as a patient. To say that it is a miracle that he walked out would be a gross understatement and an affront to the power and goodness of God. He graduated from the day program and was the only one to walk out at the end. Soon he will begin 6-8 weeks of outpatient therapy in Gainesville. His occupational therapist told Loren that he will always be a quadriplegic but will be considered high functioning.
On Monday, he returns to school for the first time since last May. Back in August, school officials asked if it would be OK to hold a blood drive in Ben's honor. At that time, the date of October 29th was chosen. Only God knew that would wind up being the day Ben returned to school. He has much hard work ahead to catch up, but after all that he has been through over these past three months, it should be a "walk in the park"...pun intended.
Tuesday (10-23) 2:00 PM - Ben has begun his last week at Shepherd Spinal Center. He is ready to be home for good but also knows that he will miss his therapists and friends that he has made. Several of the friends who came in about the same time he did will be leaving this week as well. His therapy now includes sessions in the pool, which is great for a spinal cord injury patient. Ben continues to get stronger and is now walking up to the therapy gym in the morning and out to the car in the afternoon.
Wednesday (10-17) 9:30 PM - Ben's ability to walk is nothing short of a miracle from God. On Wednesday afternoon his therapist, Gena, took him on a walk throughout the hospital. He used several crutches and canes but decided he liked the standard cane the best. He needs it for balance. Gena also has him walk sideways which almost looks like he is dancing. He is still scheduled to go home for good on Friday, October 26. Ben will come home with a wheelchair but will only use it for school and other long distance activities. God has been SO good.
Friday (10-12) 11:AM - Ben had his cast removed today and it will be made into a splint that he will wear while he sleeps. His wrist and fingers were stiff but his occupational therapist is working that out today. His right foot is doing better so he is able to focus on walking more during therapy. The dermatologist prescribed some antibiotics for his face as well as some topical creams. Ben is very well aware that he will be going home for good two weeks from today.
Tuesday (10-9) 11:00 AM - Ben had some minor setbacks this week. On Sunday Ben fell and injured his right foot which hindered his ability to do all of his physical therapy. Many of you know that Ben's right hand has not responded as well as his left hand and because of that his occupational therapist put a cast on his right hand, extending his fingers and angling his wrist back. That presented a new challenge with normal every day activities such as showering and eating. The therapist expects to remove the cast on Friday. On Tuesday he will go to the dermatologist. Since his injury, the steroids that were used caused his face to break out and it continues to be a problem.
Friday (10-5) 11:30 AM - Ben has continued to work hard in the day program. His physical therapist is walking him every day preparing him for home. They had him walk with forearm crutches earlier this week. He is doing so well that they have set his release date for Friday, October 26. This means that he will return to school on October 29. His therapist, Cathi, will accompany him and will present information to his classmates about the nature of spinal cord injuries. Ben is very excited about his return to school.
Monday (10-1) 3:00 PM - Ben has had a busy few days. On Friday he was discharged from the in-patient program at Shepherd Spinal Center. He was given a graduation ceremony by his therapy staff. On Friday night he walked on the football field surprising his team, his coaches and the fans. He was thrilled and humbled by the ovation from the crowd. That night he slept at home for the first time since July 30. On Saturday, he went with his girlfriend, Whitney, and his best friends to the homecoming dance. He had a long night out with his buddies. On Sunday, he went to church at night for the first time since the accident. He enjoyed a great time of worship with the band from Flat Creek Baptist Church. After an evening fellowship with his youth group, he went back to Atlanta to get ready for the day program. On Monday, he spent the day being oriented into the day program at Shepherd Spinal Center. This will be a much more intense form of therapy and Ben should see great improvement over the coming weeks.
Wednesday (9-26) 1:00 PM - Ben spent an hour in the pool this morning with two therapists and his dad. He worked extremely hard and is worn out. He found out today that his last day to be in-patient is this Friday. He will go home for the weekend then will come back for the day program on Monday. Loren and Ben will have an apartment provided while he is in the day program. Ben is thrilled that he will be home for West Hall's homecoming game and dance. Loren is thrilled that he won't have to take Ben back and forth each day. Ben will be sleeping in the basement because that is the best place for his wheelchair. Keep praying for Ben and his family as they begin another new chapter of this life saga they are in.
Monday (9-24) 11:00 AM - Ben shocked the congregation at Flat Creek Baptist Church yesterday when Loren helped him walk up onto the stage. It has been less than 8 weeks since the accident and Ben's recovery is nothing short of a miracle of God. He was hoping to be released to the day program this week but found out this morning that it will not be on Wednesday like he had first thought. The day program is full, so Ben is praying for an unexpected opening before this weekend. Ben spent most of the weekend at home and is ready to spend more time there. He has not spent a night at home since July 30. On Monday afternoon Loren and Sharon will go through some of the final training they will need when he goes home for good.
Friday (9-21) 10:00 AM - Ben is getting ever closer to leaving the in-patient program and entering the day program at Shepherd Spinal Center. Today his therapists took him outside to walk in the grass and up stairs for the first time. He did great. He then had to wheel himself up the ramp in his chair which was a tremendous challenge for him but he succeeded in getting up the ramp. Later today he will be measured for his permanent wheelchair. Even though he is expected to walk again on his own, it will be months before he is able to do that. He will have a wheelchair for school and other situations that require long distance walks. Pray that an opening in the day program will come next week so that he can begin the next phase of his recovery.
Wednesday (9-19) 3:00 PM - Ben has learned that his legs are not really his weakness right now that is keeping him from walking as well as he could. The therapists are working on strengthening his midsection. He needs more strength in his abdomen in order to hold himself up while he walks. He also needs to get stronger in his arms, shoulders and shoulder blades. It is looking like he may leave the in-patient program and enter the day program next week. Ben is hoping he will go to the day program soon because the sooner he goes there, the sooner he goes home.
Monday (9-17) 1:00 PM - Ben walked again today using a walker. He was told on Friday that he is now on the waiting list to go to the Day Program. This means he will be leaving in-patient before the original date of October 9th. His case worker told him that he is progressing faster than they expected. Pray that an opening will come up soon.
Thursday (9-13) 4:00 PM - Ben has had another busy day. Loren was trained and cleared to take him to the shower room so he doesn't have to take a shower every third day. Later in the morning, his counselor wanted to see him walk so she took him to the gym where they once again got him up and he walked. When he walks, he has a full leg brace on his right leg that keeps his knee from giving out on him. After that, he went to the treadmill and continued to work with the therapists there. After lunch, he went to the gym for physical therapy, then immediately went to the classroom for school (see attached pictures). Just another day in the life of Ben at Shepherd Spinal Center.
Tuesday (9-11) 2:30 PM - Ben began walking on the manual treadmill instead of the LokoMat today. He is thrilled to have his neck brace removed for good. Every day he gets a little more use of his right side back. He continues to inspire all those he comes in contact with.
Monday (9-10) 3:00 PM - Ben walked some more today using a walker for the first time. It was very challenging but he worked hard and walked about 15 feet.
Monday (9-10) 11:00 AM - Ben continues to amaze everyone around him. Loren keeps telling people that God just wanted to show off and He chose to do it through Ben. This morning Ben walked on the LokoMat and walked twice as long as before (27 minutes and .75 of a mile). The LokoMat therapist was amazed at his movement in both legs. He will no longer be on the LokoMat but has been moved up to the manual treadmill.
Ben's spirit is always an inspiration. He has an opportunity to be a witness throughout the day. He is concerned about speaking to one boy in particular who is experiencing some depression. Pray that Ben will have the right words that will glorify God and comfort this young man. Please know that your prayers are being answered and are contributing to Ben's miraculous recover.
Thursday (9-6) 11:00 AM - BEN WALKED TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!! "Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will WALK and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31
Tuesday (9-4) 11:00 AM - Ben had the most incredible weekend. He went to the football game at West Hall and was so excited he couldn't keep his left leg still. The only problem was waiting for the game to start because of lightening. He tailgated with friends before the game then went in the locker room to wait for the team to come in from warmups. It was a great reunion when they came in and found Ben ready to encourage them to a victory. Even though the Spartans lost, it was wonderful for Ben to be on the field. On Monday Ben went home and then to the Taylor's house for Labor Day. He is doing so well with his transfers from his chair to the car that Loren will be taking him out even more.
On Tuesday morning Ben returned to the LokoMat. He woke up a little sluggish and in despair over Florida State's loss last night. He walked on the LokoMat for over 13 minutes. In physical therapy the therapists stood him up to assess how strong his legs are. He is working very hard and is making unbelievable progress. His counselor was amazed at how much function has returned to his right side since she saw him last. Ben is a talking, not yet, but will be a walking testimony of God's amazing grace.
Thursday (8-30) 1:00 PM - Ben continues to work hard with his therapists. This morning he dressed himself for the first time with assistance from his tech. He has such a great attitude about what he is facing over the immediate future. He told his uncle Jeff that he has not been depressed at all and has rarely even been down while he has been at Shepherd's. The nurses and technicians come and check on him even when they are not taking care of him. Everyone here loves Ben because he is indeed one of the few lights shining when so many people are in darkness. Shepherd Spinal Center is a wonderful place filled with a professional staff who genuinely care, but many of the patients, it seems to be the ones without Jesus in their lives, appear overwhelmed by the drastic change in their lives. His prognosis is good but his outlook is even better. The family has been amazed and delighted to hear from so many friends and family. Loren has received over 200 e-mails since the accident. Loren, Sharon, Ben, and the rest of the family would like to thank all of you who have sent financial and other kinds of support but especially to those thousands of you who have been praying for Ben and the family since the accident. Your prayers have helped to keep the family together not just emotionally, but most importantly, spiritually.
Tuesday (8-28) 11:00 AM - Ben and Loren took the bus and train to the Falcons game last night. They ate at the CNN Center and then went over to the game (see photo above). They were only able to stay for one quarter because Ben was getting very tired and they still had to take MARTA back to Shepherd's Center, which is very difficult for a disabled person. The best news that they have had lately is that Ben has his bladder and bowel function back. By all accounts from doctors, nurses, and techs at Shepherd, to have those functions back is second only to walking again in importance to a spinal cord injury patient. God continues to be amazing in his goodness and faithfulness.
Monday (8-27) 12:00 PM - For all of you who are not members of Flat Creek Baptist Church - we had a special guest in our presence yesterday. Yes...Ben attended our morning worship service (see photo above). Loren passed the training on Friday and was able to bring Ben home for the first time on a Day Pass. Loren's message from John-chapter 9 challenged all of us to be the "light of the world" to all those we come in contact with - sharing that Ben has been a "light" to many at Shepherd Clinic. There was not a dry eye in the sanctuary. We were all blessed by his presence and encouraged by his smile.
Friday (8-24) 4:30 PM - Ben and Loren had a workout this morning. Loren was trained so that he could take Ben out on a Day Pass. He had to help Ben transfer from his power chair to a manual chair. They were also taught how to transfer him to Loren's Honda Accord, which was quite challenging and exhausting. All this was done with the excruciating pain of an apparent broken big toe on Loren's right foot. He broke it this morning at home before he left to go to Shepherd.
Thursday (8-23) 3:00 PM - Ben walked for the first time today with the help of a robotic treadmill called a LokoMat (see pictures above). He was strapped in tightly and the machine actually moved his legs in a walking motion. After about five minutes he began to experience pain in his right knee so his session on the LokoMat ended. He will do it again on next Tuesday. He had his second outing last night with a trip to the movies. Ben gives "Rush Hour 3" a resounding thumbs down (so does Loren). If the first one had been that bad there would not have been a part 2 or 3. He enjoyed getting out and he realized that that was the first time he was outside at night since July 30.
Wednesday (8-22) 3:00 PM - Ben is continuing to go to various classes to learn about the effects of a spinal cord injury on his body and his mind. His first day of school was short as the students got to know each other. He is going on his second outing tonight to see the movie "Rush Hour 3". On Thursday he begins working on an experimental form of therapy that will use robotic legs to make his legs move on a treadmill. It will be very interesting to see how strong his legs are.
Tuesday (8-21) 11:30 AM - Ben will begin school today with a variety of classes. He will also be involved in both therapies with more detailed instruction on spinal cord injury procedures. Loren was back at the church this morning for staff meeting and then visited some of our members in the hospital. Pray for Ben's separation anxiety as the family gradually returns to Gainesville and he depends on others to sometimes manage his care.
Monday (8-20) 12:00 AM - Ben continues to improve as he works hard to gain movement in his right hand and leg. He had some special visitors over the weekend. On Saturday, Mr. BigStuf, better known as Lanny Dunoho, and his wife, Peggy, came to see Ben after hearing of his accident. Lanny is the MC at all of the BigStuf events that our youth have gone to through the years. Then on Sunday, Lanny returned and brought his friend, Andy Stanley, to see Ben. Andy is the pastor of Northpoint Community Church in Alpharetta and the son of FBC Atlanta pastor, Charles Stanley. The family has also received encouraging e-mails from Louie Giglio. It was a blessing to have these busy men take time out of their day to come see a young man that they don't know.
Monday is the beginning of an incredibly busy week for Ben. He will be going to special spinal cord injury training and beginning his school work, in addition to his usual occupational and physical therapies. Loren will be returning to work in a limited capacity while Ben is working. Pray for his travel back and forth between Gainesville and Buckhead.
Friday (8-17) 11:30 AM - Ben continues to show signs of improvement. During the night he began to move some of the toes on his right foot and he moved the middle and ring fingers of his right hand this morning. Even though the movement was slight it was indeed movement. Last night Ryan Burt brought some of the youth from Flat Creek to see Ben - several family members were there too. John Rainwater brought his guitar and the youth sang several of Ben's favorite songs with him. It was really a blessing to see Ben smiling and praising his Lord! He floated back to his room and had a great night of rest. This afternoon Ben will be going on his first outing, the new World of Coke, with the other teenagers at Shepherd's. He is looking forward to coming back home and to Flat Creek. Although he is ready to begin school next week at Shepherd, for the first time he wishes he was back at West Hall High School.
Wednesday 3:00 PM - Ben stood up for the first time today. He was assisted by his therapists but he was still standing! He said that it hurt his ab muscles. We have been concerned about his arms and legs but he is also paralyzed in his abdomen as well. He can use the abs on his left side but feels pain in the abs on his right side. Loren was in family training all day today. He learned how to bathe him and care for his skin which is crucial for spinal cord injury patients.
Tuesday 4:00 PM - Ben has just finished his therapy session today. He is doing really well and his spirits continue to be high. He has no doubt that he will walk again and he believes it will be soon. That attitude will take him far in his recovery. He found out today that he will begin school next Tuesday. There is a full-time teacher at Shepherd to assist Ben as he works through the materials sent by West Hall High School. Keep praying.
Monday 4:00 PM - During his physical therapy session this afternoon, Ben moved his right leg - the thigh muscle is working! This was the first movement in that leg since last Tuesday.
Monday 11:30 AM - Loren and Sharon met with Ben's doctor this morning at 10:30. The only new information they were given was that Ben also fractured his 4th vertebra but the repair was made during the initial surgery. The doctor said that swelling was no longer a factor with his mobility but his left side continues to show some improvement. He brushed his teeth for the first time today. Ben also has a rare condition known as Brown-Sequard Syndrome which means that he feels no pain or temperature sensation (on his left side only). They speculate that his recovery at Shepherd will be 6-8 weeks from this point. Loren is still living in the apartment and Sharon is back and forth but should begin teaching at Gainesville Middle later this week. As of now, Loren is planning to preach this Sunday morning. Thank you for your continued prayers!
Friday 9:30 AM - Ben is in great spirits today. He has gained improved movement in his left hand to the point that he washed his face and fed himself this morning. He is looking forward to intensifying his rehab so that he can see some more improvement. He still has not regained controlled movement of his right leg or hand and fingers. It looks like he will become very dependant on his left hand for a while.
For those of you wondering about visitation...he can have visitors after 4:00 on weekdays and Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. Although he is anxious to see everyone - please understand that he tires very easily.
Thursday 11 AM - Ben has now begun the rehabilitation process and is working hard in his therapy sessions. Loren sent the above pictures for us to share...
Wednesday 9 AM - Ben has received his new wheel chair, and all you who went to BigStuf, get this, the brand name of the chair is "Rhythm". He has physical therapy this morning, and occupational therapy this afternoon (that's the kind of therapy that is specifically focused on real life activities as opposed to physical therapy which usually involves things like stretches, weights, exercise machines, and other devices as appropriate). He seems to have dislocated his right shoulder at some point, but they said they will just have to let that heal on it's own. Other than that he seems to be doing well and we'll have another update probably this afternoon sometime.
Tuesday 4:30 PM - Loren just called and reported that BEN JUST MOVED HIS RIGHT LEG for the first time since the accident!!! "Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him!" Psalm 147:1
Tuesday 11AM - Ben is regaining movement with his left hand and is able to squeeze it very well at this point. He will begin therapy this afternoon and the family will have a scheduled consultation with the doctors later today. His new address is... Shepherd's Center Attn: Ben Hildebrant 2020 Peachtree Road, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30309
Monday 8 PM - Ben has settled in to his new room at Shepherd's. He shares the room with two other people, and is adjusting to the new atmosphere and schedule. Loren said the staff there is definitely better. They, in four hours, have spent more time with the Doctor than they did in the 6 days at Atlanta Medical. They have also asked that everyone hold off on visiting until this weekend. Ben needs time to get adjusted to the new place and the visiting hours are much more limited. Thank you for understanding as Ben continues through the recovery process. One last note, the clot filter procedure went well. They went in through his side and installed it in his vena cava. His side is a bit sore, but otherwise he came through it quite well.
Monday 4PM - Ben just arrived at Shepherd's Spinal Clinic and the family is going through orientation now. Please stay tuned to the website for information about visitation.
Monday 2 PM - Ben is in having the filter put in right now. We also found out that he will be moved to Shepherd's today at 3 pm. They have an apartment for the family for 30 days as well at no charge so they can stay close. Probably has more room than a waiting room too! More info coming when he gets out of surgery.
Monday 10:30 AM - The procedure to put in the clot filter has been postponed until Noon. The Nurse Evaluator from Shepherd's came and has spoken with Ben and the family about what they can expect. She gave them the worst-case scenario, which was helpful to hear, yet still rather hard. Ben was hoping to be able to be at the first football game on the 31st of August, but it looks like they expect him to be at Shepherd's for 6 to 8 weeks of intense therapy before he can go home. They also were not sure how much movement he could expect to regain either. Their spirits are rather low right now and could really use your prayers. We knew this was probably coming, but it is still hard to hear. Finally, we are waiting to hear from the insurance company for approval to move him, and when they get it he'll be transferred, hopefully sometime today or tomorrow.
Sunday @ 10 PM - Ben has regained some movement, Courtney said, moving his left foot, three fingers on his left hand (thumb, forefinger and pointer finger) and also his right arm some, though not his right hand. This is great news and we'll update you more after the procedure tomorrow to install the clot-filter.
Sunday @ 9 AM - We found out today that Ben will be having surgery on Monday to have a filter put into his femoral artery to catch any potential blood clots. This is preventative only. He is continuing therapy, sitting in a special guerny bed that they can move him to while he is lying down and then sit him up for a while by shifting the seat around.
Friday @ 8 PM - Ben ate dinner today, they fed him a cheeseburger, and he loved it! They're his favorite food, and Loren said he was very happy, in great spirits and doing well.
Friday @ 10 AM - Today Ben begins physical therapy and the recovery process. He had a really good night last night and may possibly be moved out of the Neuro-ICU today into a regular room. They haven't seen a doctor yet today, but as soon as we know more about the long term prognosis we will be sure to let you all know. Shepherd Spinal Clinic called to schedule a visit with a Nurse Evaluator on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at which point we will know more about his long term prognosis (the nurse will be coming to see him at Atlanta Medical).
Thursday @ 8 PM - Ben was sitting up this evening with help and they are starting to move him around a bit. While he has not regained any movement yet, he can still feel in his left leg, so the temporary regression of faculties the surgery produced was not as serious as it could have been. The color has returned to his face and he is doing very well. The twins will make it to the wedding, and Trey is off to college. Loren will remain at the hospital for the time being, and your continued prayers and support are greatly appreciated!
Thursday @ 9:30 AM - Ben is out of surgery and everything went well. The doctors were able to remove the bone fragments and put in a metal plate. He will remain in ICU today and hopefully be moved into a private room in the next day or two. As his recovery continues he will be moved to Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta. Updates will be posted as they are received. Thank you for your continued prayers!
Wednesday - As many of you know our pastor's son, Ben, was in a diving accident on Tuesday evening. His neck is broken and his C-5 vertebra is shattered. He has some movement on his left side and feeling but no movement on his right side. He is at Atlanta Medical Center (formerly Georgia Baptist Hospital) near downtown Atlanta. We will try to keep the website updated for everyone. Please pray for Ben and his family (Loren, Sharon, Trey, Beth & Debra) during this time.
