While repairing a roof for his church, long-time football player Ben suffered a devastating fall that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Following a lengthy surgery, he chose to work with the doctors, therapists, and nurses at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s spinal cord injury center of excellence at UPMC Mercy, where, with help from therapists and state-of-the-art facilities, he’s regaining the strength to live both a functional life and an athletic one.
Today, Ben plays in an adult sled hockey league as a member of the Mighty Penguins and is still determined to give back to his community. He recently started his own foundation to provide emotional and financial support to those who have suffered similar life-altering injuries.
This patient's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.