Carter Green and friends

I apologize for this overdue acknowledgment, but I wanted to thank a young man named Carter Green and his friends for their kind acts for Ben.

Last month, some of Carter’s friends on the Trinity varsity baseball team organized a game at Trinity field for Carter’s birthday. Instead of accepting presents, Carter chose to collect money for Ben. Carter, his mother Julie Green, and some of his friends visited with Ben and delivered the money they collected.

Below is a picture of Carter Green and Ben.

The next photo is Hammond Parsons, Carter Green, Mac Parsons, Ben, and Mary Frances Green.

Kasi Parsons, a friend of Lana’s, sent me an email that I am publishing to be sure everyone is properly recognized for their participation. These are Kasi’s words:

We took Ben the $ that Carter took up at his B’day party in lieu of presents. Some Trinity varsity baseball players organized a baseball game at the Trinity field for the 3rd grade boys for Carter’s b’day.

One of the varsity players that helped is Estes McLemore, Ben’s across the street neighbor. He and Hammond are in Mrs Shelley’s third grade at Trinity and their whole class has been praying for Ben for a long time. Hammond and Mac are neighbors of Bens. I have met you a couple of times. We were so thrilled to see him on Friday. He looks great …

I am so impressed with Carter’s compassion at such a young age. Ben and family greatly appreciate the efforts and kind acts by Carter and his friends.

Ben Gets Physical!

This weekend was Ben’s “break-out” weekend as far as physical activity was concerned. Here are some photos and videos:

Ben jumps down the stairs.

Ben gets tickled at the art show.

Ben is “King of the World“!

Here is Ben on the swing.

Next Ben climbs the ladder, crosses the bridge, and slides down.

Ben shows off his sprinter speed.

Ben and Uncle Vernon play on the see-saw.

Ben and Dada play on the monkey bars.

Everyone gets on the swing.

Click here for all of the pictures from this weekend.

Magnolia Park School Book Drive

Magnolia Park Elementary School in Ocean Springs, MS held a children’s book drive in memory of Chad Lee, Jr. and in honor of Ben. They collected over 1900 (yes, nearly two-thousand!) books.

Courtney Hubbard, who teaches nine and ten year old children, delivered the books this past Saturday to UAB hospital. Even more impressive, she and many other volunteers, took the time to put a sticker on every book! Jane Love, UAB child life specialist, met us on Saturday (her day off) and helped us unload and move the books to the 5th floor.

Later that day, Courtney and Ben met for the first time. Courtney also brought Ben a nice “beach” themed gift bag.

Lana was happy to pick out a book that Ben needs to read!

We know many children will derive much pleasure from the books for many years to come, and that Chad will be remembered each time a book is opened.

On behalf of UAB Hospital and the Grier family, we appreciate everyone’s efforts from Ocean Springs, MS.

UAB Park Picnic

I am a little behind publishing photos and video, so let’s get caught up!

Just before Ben was released from the hospital, he received a visit from Aubie. Here are some additional photos taken by one of his child life therapists (Blair):

Ben sizes up Aubie.

Ben finally gets comfortable and gives Aubie “five”.

Aubie gives Ben an autographed calendar with all of Auburn’s upcoming victories (it was very thick).

Ben and Blair pose for a picture.

Last Saturday, Ben and family attended a picnic at UAB park for organ recipients, living donors, and their families:

Ben and family enjoy some bar-be-que.

Ben makes his handprints for a quilt.

Aunt Tammy, Ben, Lana, and Blake are having a good time.

There were a lot of people there.

Can you find Ben in the crowd?

There was a lot of good music!

Later, back at the apartment:

Ben was hungry again — another chicken bites the dust!

Ben shows off his pajamas. 

The Griers having fun on the couch.

That’s all for now!

Girl Scout Lemonade Sale a Success!

Girl Scout troop #149 conducted a very impressive Lemonade Sale on Monday. I was told that they had everything set up so nicely and were ready to sell before school let out.

They raised $330 in 30 minutes!

Thanks go out to to their leaders: Dorothy Walker, Carmen Douglas and Diane Griffin.

Here are some photos of the group:

Lemonade Sale #1

Lemonade Sale #2

Lemonade Sale #3

Lemonade Sale #4

Great job girls!

Thanks for Donating!

I want to thank everyone for donating at the Ben Grier Compassion Blood Drive. Ben’s older brother, Blake Grier, and I enjoyed meeting everyone and seeing old friends.

As we pulled up to the church, Blake got out and pointed to the sign so I didn’t miss my turn.

Afterwards, I was busy donating so all of the photography was handled by Blake.

Blake likes to take close-ups. Do I need a nose hair trimmer?

Blake poses with me as I donate.

If the sight of blood makes you squeamish, don’t look at this! As I said, Blake likes to take close-ups.

Blake and I sport our new Red Cross Donor caps, but it looks like we accidentally swapped caps.

Uncle Vernon looks like he donated over the limit — just kidding — they don’t allow that.

Thanks go out to Judy Harmann, Ivy Pittman and the Red Cross staff for sponsoring this event and allowing Ben’s family to help others in need.

S.A.M. the Easter Bunny

 The Easter Bunny visited Blake sometime early Sunday before he was awake. I am not sure, but I think the Easter Bunny’s nickname is S.A.M.

My mother said that she asked Blake to open the front door and retreive the newspaper. Blake discovered a personalized card from the Easter Bunny and then followed a “trail” of eggs that lead him around to the side of his house.

Blake with Easter card.

When Blake rounded the corner, he responded with a resounding “WHOAAAAA”! He told Grandmother Marilyn there were so many eggs that he didn’t think he would be able to pick all of them up — but he managed.

He was so excited over the phone when he called me that he couldn’t get the words out quickly enough. He read me every word of his “special” card.

Many thanks to S.A.M. the Easter Bunny from the Grier family.

Blake with Easter basket and toys.

Magnolia Park Elementary School

   

Magnolia Park Elementary School is located in Ocean Springs, Mississipppi. Students at this school – in Mrs. Hubbard’s 4th grade class – were studying the human body and researching heart transplants on the Internet just two days after Ben received his new heart.

They found Ben’s story and sent the following message;

Dear Ben and family,

Our class has been studying the human body, and we were researching heart transplants on the internet. Mrs. Hubbard had just told us a story about her three-year old son, Brock having a heart prodecure done at UAB last Christmas when your story popped up on the Montgomery Advertiser, and we read it as a class. You are a very strong and courageous boy, and you are an inspiration to all of us. Through your story, we’ve been able to discuss the importance of organ donations. We’ve researched the people waiting for transplants, donors, the procedures, and the pure joy of the recipients’ families. Being in Alabama, we feel a connection because you’re so close to Mississippi.

We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers daily, and we will be keeping up with your story on the internet.

Stay strong and keep taking pictures for us to view.

Love always,

Mrs. Hubbard and class

Magnolia Park Elementary

Ocean Springs, MS

I have been exchanging emails with her class and explaining some of the challenges Ben will face as he recovers.

Today, Ben received a basketball goal with adjustable stand and ball from Mrs. Hubbard’s family and 4th grade students. It is a small one that can be set up in his hospital room. This will encourage him to stand, stretch and exercise his weak arm and leg muscles. (They also informed me that a care package is on the way).

Ben and family want to thank Courtney Hubbard, her family, and her students for their kind words and generous gifts.

PS - Below is another photo of Mrs. Hubbard’s class — they wanted to send a “silly” version that would make Ben laugh.

 

PSS – Please read the next post about about Chad Lee, Jr.

Photos by Aunt Donna

Ben’s Aunt Donna visited Ben and Adrianne yesterday and took several photographs.

She emailed me the following message:

Hey Vernon,

Got a few shots of Ben yesterday; as you can tell I am not the best photographer!!!!!!!!!  I wish the second shot of him walking had turned out better but I was moving also, I haven’t mastered those kinds of shots yet!!!
 
I enjoyed my day so much.  It was so good to see your mom and Lana and of course the little king.  He was so sweet with as much as he had to endure yesterday.  The last shot was taken just as I was leaving; he looked so peaceful to have had such a busy day.  An angel sleeping. 

Maybe you can use some of them if you like.

Donna

Well, I used all of them. Click here to view the photos.

Team Alabama

After the story of Ben’s heart transplant was published in the Montgomery Advertiser, I was contacted by a local mother, Vickie Lloyd, who is affiliated with “Team Alabama”. Vickie’s son, Carter Lloyd, was a liver recipient when he was almost two years old. He is now 13 years old and doing fine.

Vicki sent the following message:

Hello!

Today many of us here is Montgomery celebrated with your family. At Fain Park last night and today, The Police and Fireman’s Insurance Association held their Second Annual Charity Softball Tournament to benefit Team Alabama.

“Team Alabama” is made up of transplant recipients and donor families from across Alabama who travel every other year to the U.S. Transplant Games. One of our moms brought the morning paper to share your article. With excitement and understanding, we were all filled with joy for your family.

We are sending a “care package” which includes some of the activities of the day and we look forward to welcoming you back to Montgomery in the near future. Among our famlies and friends today were liver recipients, heart recipients, kidney recipients, and donor families. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. 

Vicki Lloyd

I met Vicki and Carter a few days later when she dropped off the care package. Included in the package were sailboat kits for Ben and his older brother, Blake.

Blake is a master builder and had his boat nailed together in a matter of minutes. He enjoyed showing it off.

Ben and family would like to thank Vickie, Carter, and Team Alabama for their support.

Also — thanks to Vicki — I have added several web links about organ donation on the “About this site” page.