Ben's Story | More stories

Ben's Story

Benjamin Bowering was born in 1996 at 27 weeks' gestation, weighing just 632 grams (or one pound six on the old scale). His Dad Bruce's wedding ring went easily over Benjamin's tiny toes and legs. Benjamin had a complicated neo-natal period and was subsequently diagnosed as having Cerebral Palsy. The hospital advised a brain scan showed brain damage, mainly affecting the motor areas and vatriculars, with a likely neurological defect of around 90%. "We got such a shock and were quite tearful when we saw the neo-natal specialist, so we had a very up and down ride home after the news," remembers Benjamin's Mum, Janine. "Once we got home we had a talk about it, we realised the only way to go was to get as much help as we possibly could, do the best by Benjamin and keep positive, no matter what."

That help came in the form of the Gippsland Early Intervention services of the Spastic Society of Victoria, where Benjamin underwent physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapies. "Through the years, I'd say Benjamin has made steady progress in all areas of his development, and we feel very fortunate to have a team of very skilled and dedicated therapists right on our doorstep," says Janine. "In Benjamin's case, they have done everything possible to help him. When Benjamin was younger, they suggested we could go to a special playground they run, then Benjamin went into a three-year-old kinder for children with additional needs. We now have regular therapy in our home, as we also have a two-year old (Cameron) with Cerebral Palsy, so they see both Benjamin and Cameron together.

"Benjamin is very active and very, very determined. Last year was the International Day of People with a DisAbility and I nominated Benjamin because I thought he has achieved so much for such a rugged and stressful start. He was just four-and-a-half, and he won an award for Personal Achievement. He has it framed in his bedroom. It notes Benjamin is outstanding in his achievements and this year alone he learnt to walk unaided, stood up without assistance, and climbed in and out of bed on his own."

Like many boys, Benjamin is car mad. "He knows every make and model, from Chevs to T-Model Fords to old Pontiacs," says Janine. "As soon as we go anywhere, he says, 'Hey there goes an old Chev … or a '69 Ford'. I certainly don't know them and hubby reckons he has a better recognition than anyone else does!

We think Benjamin is a gift and we are very, very proud of him. We often think it's wonderful how he has done so well. It's amazing, you just sow a little seed and off they go and grow. My husband's a teacher, and he says he thinks Benjamin is very, very sharp in his memory. Benjamin's going to be a mechanic when he grows up. He has an interest in some of the car magazines. He was subscribing to one of them when he was only five, so we think he'll do very well!"