FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           Contact: Joy Eggleston

November 4, 2008                                                                 (724)627-2656

Patient Raises over $6,000 for Pediatric Unit

Ben Remsing, 13, is no stranger to hospitals.  Since infancy, he has suffered from Hollow Visceral Myopathy , a rare condition with symptoms like those caused by a bowel obstruction, or blockage. This condition has caused him to endure many surgeries and hospital stays during his short lifetime.
Because Southwest Regional Medical Center has seen an increase in pediatric patients, Ben wanted to partner with the Auxiliary of SRMC, to make the hospital more child and family friendly. Already the Auxiliary has helped to furnish and decorate two pediatric rooms.  They have also donated various games, books and movies in addition to providing stuffed bears to pediatric patients.  Ben decided he wanted to help and, to date; he has raised over $6,000. Some of the contributions are as follows:

Springhill Well Service                      $600

WA Stoneking                                    $300

CNX Gas                                           $3,000

Delrick                                               $2,500

Contributions have also been collected from SRMC nurses and employees. Ben is planning for the money to be used to purchase electronic equipment like games, TV’s or DVD players.  He hopes this will help make the stay for kids in the hospital more tolerable.

“Ben is a very special little boy,” shared Sam McLaughlin, General Manager of CNX gas. “We admire his tenacity in helping other kids and are honored to support his efforts.”

If you would like to make a contribution to support the Ben Remsing Fund, contact Joy Eggleston at 724-627-2656.  All donations should be made to the Auxiliary of Southwest Regional Medical Center are fully tax deductible. 

PHOTO ATTACHMENT:   Ben accepts checks from several donors during a recent ceremony.  From left: Teresa Gilbert, SRMC RN; Dan Orrahood, Springhill Wells; Sam McLaughlin, CNX Gas General Manager; Ben Remsing; Rick Compton, Delrick Corporation; Angie and Bill Stoneking, WA Stoneking. 

###