Benson

THE SMA LIFE
Benson was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2 at 17 months.  We started asking questions at 9 months but it took 8 long months to get answers.  Benson started scooting at about 9 months but wasn't bearing weight or trying to stand.  During the time that we were trying to get a diagnosis, we pursued physical therapy and did everything we could to encourage use of his muscles.  By 19 months he had almost completely stopped scooting.  This coincided with the timing of his first wheelchair.  His first wheelchair was a gift of many donations from friends and family and we felt truly blessed to have it.  It is an amazing little chair that is only 8 pounds.  Yes, eight!  It is manufactured by a company in Sweden and is hard to find in the states but we were blessed every step of the way to getting this chair.  Life continued on for the next year.  Benson continued losing strength and wasn't gaining weight.  It was finally time to get a feeding tube placed.  He was eating more than enough calories by mouth but for reasons no one can yet explain, SMA was preventing him from gaining weight and absorbing all the nutrients he so terribly needed.  In November 2013, Benson had his first surgery and received his gtube.  We call it his tubie.  It made him very nervous at first but now he seems to like it.  And sometimes he is very proud to show it off.  Another huge milestone for Benson was getting his power chair.  He loves his wheels and he loves loves loves to go fast.

THE REAL BENS
Benson was nicknamed Bens by his sister and cousin.  It stuck and is as unique as he is.  Benson is an amazing little guy.  He is incredibly smart.  He had IQ testing done and is above average in all areas but was in the 90th percentile for memory.  That memory of his will serve him well throughout his life.  He remembers everything.
He inherited a Brady gene for remembering and quoting movie lines.  He quotes movies to me all day long.  He is currently loving Ninja Turtles, but he is also a big fan of Wild Kratts, Super Why, and My Little Pony.  Although somewhere in the last few months he caught on that this is a girl movie and protests when its on even though he secretly likes it. 
Benson loves cars.  He likes the Disney Movie cars but his favorite character is Jeff Gorvette, not Lightning McQueen. He also loves Hot Wheels and all cars that look fast to him.  He also shares his dad's love of airplanes.  He has a collection of Hot Wheels and Maisto airplanes.
Benson loves to play hide and seek, tag (either in his power chair or being carried), and jumping on the tramp (we hold him).  He likes to play with "little things."  Little objects collected from various games and toys.  His favorite game is Connect 4 Launchers.  He also loves playing games on the iPad.  Benson's most favorite activity is throwing rocks in lakes and ponds.
Benson has been blessed with two very sweet and crazy siblings that are both 18 months younger and older than him.  They all love each other desperately and pray every day for Benson's "SMA to be gone."