Farmington Hills Boy with Severe Heart Condition Treated to a Shopping Spree and Special Day Thanks to Rainbow Connection

Fourteen-year-old Benjamin from Farmington Hills is a very special young man. Born with a severe heart condition, Ben also struggles with autism. Although he is faced with daily limitations and struggles, Ben is an energetic miracle who has become a celebrity in his hometown of Farmington Hills.

In early 2016, Ben was referred to the Rainbow Connection, an organization making dreams come true for Michigan children with life threatening illnesses. The Rainbow Connection works with Michigan families, giving them a reason to smile during their most difficult times.

Tasked with the challenge of finding a wish that would fit into his medical limitations, Ben asked for “his favorite day.” Ben’s mom, Robyn explains, “Due to Ben’s autism, he has a few routines that he really enjoys and have become a part of daily our lives. He wanted to do all of his favorite things in one day. Little did we know that Rainbow Connection would make his favorite day so incredibly special.”

Starting his day by being picked up in a limo, Ben went on a shopping spree at his local Walmart. Associates greeted Ben and his parents with cake, balloons and applause as he entered the store. He was then taken on a personal shopping spree escorted by the store’s manager.

“All Ben could say was, ‘this is really all for me,’” said Robyn. “They had a cake and balloons prepared. It really was above and beyond what we imagined.”

After his shopping spree, Ben was escorted the local bowllng alley where Ben is a regular. Ben again was welcomed with celebrity status, which isn’t hard for him because everyone at the alley knows him and loves him! The Rainbow Connection made sure that this would be the best day at the bowling alley he’d ever experienced.

“Bowling is so special to Ben,” said Robyn. “He has many issues that cause pain or weakness, but bowling takes his mind off of everything. The entire bowling alley here has embraced him like family. Showing up in a limo to bowl was a true highlight for him!”

Ben’s day ended at a local restaurant where his favorite server was ready and waiting with chocolate chip pancakes, his ultimate meal.

Months later, Benjamin still talks about his “Rainbow Connection Day.” He daily enjoys the golf clubs, bowling accessories and video games he purchased and has been able to purchase additional games with the gift cards given to him by Rainbow Connection.

“Ben was so worn out after this day,” said Robyn. “He still talks about it and is even still able to use some of his shopping spree money on new video games. The Rainbow Connection really did make his dream come true, and it keeps coming true every time he plays a game or talks about the day.”

Offering comfort, hope and joy, The Rainbow Connection of Michigan makes dreams come true for Wish Children like Conner every day. Nationally ranked 4-stars by Charity Navigator, the organization also provides emergency services, annual Wish Family events and college scholarships to its Wish children.

The Rainbow Connection is funding exclusively by individual and corporate donations. To find out more about The Rainbow Connection, including the very first dream come true in 1982 when 14-year-old John Bowden met his idol, Mohammad Ali visit www.rainbowconnection.org.