On Friday, December 21, 2007, Ben and his wife Erin gathered with friends for an evening of fun. As had been a tradition for several years, the group of friends got together for a Christmas gift exchange and to enjoy each other’s company just before the holidays.

With fresh snow having just fallen outdoors the group decided to enjoy some outdoor fun, until Ben jumped into a pile of snow and damaged his spine instantly. This freak accident has left Ben with a serious C5 spinal cord injury. He has worked through in an intensive rehabilitation program at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA and is now home in Maine continuing his therapy. While Ben’s spine is damaged, his determination, unflappable sense of humor and strength of character are still very much intact. With “Hayes strength,” grit and a strong will, Ben is working to reclaim for himself and his family a fulfilling and productive life.

Ben, son of Bob and Bonnie Hayes of Auburn and brother of Gretchen von der Linden of Fairfield, CT, is a graduate of Edward Little High School (’96) and the University of Maine at Orono (’00). He makes his home in Lewiston with his wife and college sweetheart, Erin (of Waterville), dog Murphy, cat Trinity and a daughter who blessed them with her presence in July 2007.

With a love for sailing, skiing, golfing and spending time with family and friends, Ben is an outgoing, charismatic guy who has never met a stranger and could make a friend in any situation. With a keen business sense, Ben is equally passionate about both work and life and is blessed with a “network” of people who have been touched by his story. His family and friends are working hard to find ways to channel the outpouring of concern, prayers and support. Here's how you can help.  

Make a Donation
Ben and his family need your financial support! He faces enormous expenses during the lengthy rehab process. “The Ben Hayes Support Fund” was established to collect contributions that be all be used to directly benefit Ben’s medical care and equipment.

Click here to make a secure, online donation today!
OR  
Mail contributions to “Ben Hayes Support Fund” c/o The Chamber
                               PO Box 59, Lewiston ME 04243-0059

Visit Ben’s Care Page
The Care Page Atomic12 (no spaces) has been established as a place to get frequent updates on Ben’s progress, send your messages of support and view photos.


More cool “Ben stuff” is in the works
With our continued support and encouragement, great things will happen, and, knowing Ben, we’re all going to be laughing with him again very soon. Keep checking this site for more information about how you can help. Thank you for keeping Ben and his family in your thoughts and prayers!