Family of Man Hit By Taxi Starts Facebook Page in His Honor

The family of Benjamin Pileski, 20, of Mattituck, who was hit by a taxi in Montauk on Sunday morning, recently started a Facebook page, “Ben’s Corner” in his honor.

According to the description of the page, the group was formed for ”anybody who wishes to be in ’Ben’s Corner’ while he fights his way back to us.”

The family will also be using the page to post updates on Pileski’s condition.

Ben and his friend, Justin Tyler, 20, also of Mattituck, were hit while crossing Montauk Highway at about 3 a.m. on June 5. Ben was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

According to a post on the page on Tuesday, Ben had some extra swelling in his brain and needed surgery to remove a section of his skull, allowing to relieve some of the pressure.

“Now this surgery did reveal some brain damage but the first 72 hours are almost over and although there is a long road ahead, friends and family remain hopeful,” the post read. ”When all said and done, we believe that if his full recovery is dependent on hard work and perseverance, Ben will come through with flying colors.”

Ben’s brother, Zach posted on Wednesday night that the doctors have been in the process of changing a few of Ben’s medications, including the one that keeps him in his coma, and he has been showing some signs of strength.

The surgery he had also seems to really have helped the swelling in his brain.

He has been moving his hands, legs and making some facial expressions.

“His numbers seem to be doing much better today also,” Zach wrote on the page. “Now remember Ben still isn’t out of the woods yet but this is a step forward. Please keep him in your prayers and thoughts because they have gone a long way to help.”

The United States Navy also issued a statement to the family that Ben, who is a member, will not be discharged and will remain a member of their armed forces for as long he wishes, according to a post on the page.

The page has already received 1,608 members and countless posts from friends and family members.

Photo: Facebook.com