Super Ben

You may have seen this story on the local news. It's the story of a young, married couple having difficulty with getting pregnant. Through lots of treatments and procedures, they were finally blessed with being pregnant with twins. The twins (Luke and Ben Messer) were born prematurely last summer. Luke quickly overcame his physical problems and went home with his parents. Ben's medical problems were far more serious and he remained in the hospital for a long time. Ben was born with his stomach and liver on the wrong side of his abdomen and he also has congenital heart disease. In his very young life (9 months or so), young Ben has already endured two open heart surgeries and he has a third today. I am praying for that little fella right now. Although Ben will never remember any of this, his parents will. I can't imagine how scary it must for young parents to have their infant child going through so many serious surgeries.

You may be asking why I am posting this story today. Sadly, infants undergo serious procedures every day. So why all this attention on Ben Messer? Why do I have a dog in this fight? Well, Ben's parents, Keith and Tiffany Messer are both former students of mine. In addition, Tiffany is a friend of my daughter Jessi from Childhood. So yeah, I've got some skin in this game. I am praying for Ben and his parents today. Praying for God's mercy, grace and healing touch on that whole family. This sick little boy has been dubbed "Super Ben" by his parents. Won't you please join me in praying for Super Ben today?

Here is the text of the news story. I will post a link to a news video below.

-- Students and teachers at a local school are pulling together to help a baby suffering from heart disease. Luke and Ben Messer's parents have a family friend who's also a photographer, taking pictures of the boys and precious moments they want to remember. The seven-month-old twins have beautiful faces that will melt your heart, but Ben has had a tougher time than Luke health-wise. When they were born, doctors had to take both babies from their mom. "Luke needed to go to the NICU. He had some fluid in his lungs. So we didn't get to spend time with him. He was taken away right away and then Ben was as well. He was taken to Children's," said Tiffany Messer. Ben has congenital heart disease. In his few short months, he's already had three heart surgeries. Monday, Feb. 9, he will have a fourth. Ben's father, Keith, described his son, "I tell people he's the strongest guy I've ever met. He's stronger than I'll ever be. It's unbelievable to see. I mean, I know he'll never remember any of this, but he's been such an inspiration." Tiffany is a teacher at Sharpsburg Primary School in Norwood. The school has rallied around the family by selling shirts and bracelets online to help with expenses and the students have decorated in Ben's honor. "Our school is K-6 and so I have gone and read to each class a story about congenital heart disease because most of the students I have taught previously. So, it was nice to go back and share the story of Ben with them," Tiffany said. Ben is even featured on local billboards honoring "Heart Heroes." The strength he has shown is why he's earned the nickname, "Super Ben." Ben was also born with a disorder that caused his stomach and liver to form on the incorrect side. The family says the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have helped them get through the tough times.

You will need to copy and paste this link into your address bar. Sorry.

http://www.local12.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/teachers-rally-around-baby-heart-disease-24478.shtml