Student Spotlight: Ben Minkoff

November 9, 2009  
Filed under Featured, Features

Every morning Senior Ben Minkoff drives his Mazda pick-up down to Butler Market to get a Red Bull, he doesn’t let his serious disease stop him. He still lives his life like a normal teenager. He goes to his first class of the day, which is welding with Ms. Gomes and continues on with the rest of his day.

Ben was born September 15^th, 1991. When he was born he had noticeable spots called café au lait spots. These spots are linked with Neurofibromatosis, which is a genetically inherited disease in which nerve tissue grows tumors that may be harmless or may cause serious damage by compressing nerves and other tissues.

In Ben’s case, he has tumors encompassing his abdominal area and his entire spinal cord causing extensive spinal damage. He also has Scoliosis.

Because of all this, Ben was our Sparrow here at Mountain View last year. Sparrow Clubs provide financial and emotional support for ill children and their families. Our Sparrow Club raised $2,600.00, which paid for most of his surgery. Students did community service hours to also raise money.

Mountain View held an assembly for Ben last year. His family was there, and they showed a slideshow with pictures of him, and talked about his illness. Ben claimed that it made him feel special.

“When everyone watched the slideshow it was like everyone got to see who I really am.” Said Ben.

He has overcome since being our Sparrow last year though, he had surgery over the summer in August, and is doing better now.

“I wish I was still the Sparrow. It was awesome.” Said Ben. “I could use it as an excuse for everything.” As he laughs.

Ben still suffers with back pain, headaches, not being able to bend over, doing any contact sports, and also being extremely tired. His disease takes a lot out of him.

And yet even with everything he goes through, he always has a smile on his face and is in a great mood.

“Ben is a super cool kid. He’s a good friend, and he’s really funny.” Said Senior Tyler Dufresne.

Ben is a very nice guy, and students here at Mountain View should take the time to get to know him. Next time you see him walking in the halls, take a second and say hello.

By: Kassi Walker