Local family raises money for hospital that helped son

A local family whose lives were touched by the services of a Memphis hospital is now doing its part to help the facility.The Meyer family of Madison is taking part in Le Bonheur Hospital’s Family Miracle Maker Family of the Year event. Families were nominated to participate in a friendly competition beginning with a kickoff on March 4. The family that raises the most funds for Le Bonheur at the end of the campaign will receive the title and recognition of 2010 Miracle Maker Family of the Year. They will be honored at the Miracle Maker Blast.The Meyer family first became involved with Le Bonheur Hospital last year. Every spring break, the Meyer family usually takes a vacation. Last year, they decided they would stay home and enjoy things nearby, however, the family grew concerned over their son Ben’s headache that would not go away. After visiting their doctor in Huntsville,  Ben was rushed by ambulance to Le Bonheur Children’s in Memphis.In March 2009, Ben was diagnosed with a brain tumor. At Le Bonheur, the staff spoke at length with the whole family, especially Ben. “Their warmth and comforting nature immediately put our minds at ease,” says Ben’s mom, Wyndie.Throughout his treatment, the staff at Le Bonheur took extra steps to make sure he was happy and comfortable. At one visit, one of the care team members learned Ben was allergic to fire ants. A gift soon arrived for Ben, an anteater stuffed animal. He used this stuffed toy to help support his head right after surgery. He still sleeps with this toy.Today, Ben is tumor free and has no residual effects of his ordeal. “We are so grateful for all the staff at Le Bonheur Children’s. They are very much like family to us,” Wyndie said.