1 Year After Benjamin Pileski Was Struck By Taxi in Montauk, Mom Rejoices in His Miracle Recovery

Gwen DeFriest woke up in tears on Sunday, on a beautiful sunny July morning, exactly one year to the day that her son Benjamin Pileski was critically injured after being struck by a taxi in Montauk during the July 4 weekend celebration.

The tears, however, were tears of pure joy — Ben has recovered and is out at sea with the Navy, back in active duty, traversing the world and living the life of his dreams with his fellow sailors.

"Sunday a year ago I thought my life was normal, but Ben was already in the fight of his life," DeFriest said. "Nothing, nobody will ever tell me there is no God and that miracles don't happen."

Benjamin, 21, celebrated his birthday and his bright future joyfully in February.

“I’m very excited and proud of my recovery, so today is a perfect day to have all of the injury thoughts stop,” he said.

Instead, Benjamin, who serves in the Navy, remains focused on his exciting plans — he was sent to a new command on a Navy ship on his birthday.

“I been through so much, so I made sure my transfer date was today, so today can be a great birthday. It is well needed,” he said at the time.

Benjamin’s mother has expressed her incredible joy at her beloved boy’s 21st birthday, a day that seemed very far in the future during the dark moments when he was first so gravely injured last July.

“I know his 21st birthday will be the best ever and that I’m glad he’s reaching his dreams,” she said.

Benjamin’s recovery has been an infinite blessing for the many who prayed together for hours and months after he was injured: He was deemed able to resume his full range of duties and service with the Navy in December.

After he was hurt, family, friends, the community, Navy colleagues and even complete strangers prayed furiously for him, sending letters and words of support from across the country and even the world. A Facebook Page, “Ben’s Corner,” was filled with encouraging messages and loving thoughts.

Benjamin said in December that the Navy news had proven the best so far. “I got the best Christmas gift,” he told Patch. “I am fit for full duty.”

For Benjamin, who suffered a traumatic brain injury after the accident, the road to full recovery has meant an ever-strengthened faith. “The doctors were impressed that I was able to be put back to full duty so fast,” he said. “Now I can go back to real work and serving.”

Benjamin has been touched beyond measure by the love of a steadfast community who came together to support him, donning Ben’s Corner T-shirts and bracelets, and turning out for a yard sale fundraiser organized by Kait’s Angels, a group formed to perform good works in memory of Kait Doorhy, 20, of Mattituck, who lost her life in a tragic while away at college in 2014.

And now, Benjamin has a message for his supporters: “I would say ‘thank you’ and ask if there is anyone in their thoughts I could support and pray for. This experience has made me more determined to find out what God has planned for me. I have always been a person to attend church but now I pray every night.”

DeFriest, said she is overjoyed by her son’s complete recovery, the greatest gift a parent can ever receive: “I’m just grateful that Ben has recovered as well as he has. I believe that 2016 will be a year of opportunity for Ben and I look forward to seeing his continued journey into adulthood,” she said.

She added that there are miracles to pray for every day in the community and the world. "People need to be kind to each other . . . you never know. How well Mattituck knows that."

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Pileski’s family.