BEN'S STORY

In October 2007, I was contacted by Jim Hutchinson,a social worker at Wolfson Children's Hospital. He wanted me to come to the hospital and meet a young man named Ben McCollum. My first impression of Ben was his looks. I thought he looked like Matthew McConaughey...a good looking kid. I really liked Ben from the first time we met in that room at Wolfson. Due to Ben's cystic fibrosis, he had a high caloric requirement each day of approximately 4100 calories. His busy school schedule and the multiple breathing treatments he had to do did not allow him to go to the cafeteria enough to meet his needs. He needed help with a Publix gift card to allow him to buy his food supplies. Since November 2007, we supplied Ben with a Publix gift card for each month he was in school. He was always grateful and expressed his appreciation. We were able to partner with Ben because you partnered with us. To all our partners, a special thank you for your support. We are making a difference in Christ's name as He leads.


A Tribute to Ben

With our work at Wolfson Children's Hospital we are blessed to meet many children and young adults who exhibit a faith, courage, and an attitude toward life that is amazing. One such individual was Benjamin Jon McCollum. Ben passed away March 30, 2009 at the age of 21 after a life long battle with cystic fibrosis. To Ben's family, his adopted family, and the seemingly hundreds of people that were at his service, our prayers go out to each and every one of you. To Ben...man you ran a great race. It was a privilege to know you. May God just hold you in His arms forever and ever. Breathe easy!