Ben Zimmer, 6 years old, is facing challenges most of us can’t imagine.  Born 3 months premature, and weighing only 2 lbs., 3 oz., Ben was not expected to survive.  But this little fighter has defied the odds, despite his ongoing struggles.  Ben’s multiple disabilities, including Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Cortical Visual Impairment (legal blindness), Hydrocephalus, a spinal abnormality called Tethered Cord, Hirschsprung’s Disease, and Graves Disease,  have left him severely developmentally impaired.  This affects his life, as he is fully dependent on others for all his needs and daily care.

Ben is now six years old, in Kindergarten, and has had 12 major surgeries, frequent illnesses, and has ongoing needs for repetitive brain surgeries to manage his brain swelling.   Besides wearing braces on both legs, he also is fed through a tube in his stomach, and has an ileosotomy.   Ben has a wonderful, supportive family who needs our help!