Winning Gingerbread House Reflects Power Of Human Spirit, Love

GREENPORT, NY — The winning gingerbread house in a Greenport competition Saturday has a story that captures the true meaning of the holiday — a story of faith, love, and the beauty of the human spirit that triumphs over even the most challenging of obstacles.

Johanna Benthal, 23, of North Jamesport, won First Place in the professional class at the first-ever "Gingerbread House" event, hosted by Paul Drum Life Experience Project, which unfolded at the Greenport Firehouse Saturday. The event included a gallery viewing and silent auction and featured trees from Santa's Christmas Tree Farm, gingerbread creations from Gingerbread University, houses from Peconic Landing and more.

Johanna's Gingerbread House is a replica of "Jo's Cottage," her art space in the backyard of her family's home.

And Johanna's description of her gingerbread house, "Jo's Cottage," describes her inspirational journey over physical challenges: "This gingerbread house is more than just a decoration for me. Jo's Cottage exists in my backyard. It's my art gallery and a place where I go to chill out with my friends and family. I like to create art because it's a way for me to connect with people. Sometimes it's hard for me to talk because I have lesions on my brain that bleed and I have hydrocephalus, too. But when I do art and sing, I feel like I can express myself to others and help them understand that people with disabilities can do impressive and important things, too. My life has meaning."

Johanna has faced a long road since first needing brain surgery when she was only three months old. In the past six months alone, she has had brain bleeds and infections, and has needed seven surgeries, bringing the total to more than 100 in her life. Her motor and cognitive skills have declined, necessitating the need for the use of a walker and wheelchair — and for her family's home to undergo necessary modifications.

But her story is one of love and faith; despite hundreds of surgeries, she has rallied and continues to shine in her artwork and with a positive spirit that leaves others touched by her pure heart.

"The one thing that got me today was one of the judges told me, 'Jo's Cottage invites us to look inside,'" her mother Eileen Benthal said. "And her words struck me as a deeper truth. Structurally and artistically, it did, for sure. But symbolically, as well. Artistic expression invites us all to look within. Jo's art — even the miniatures inside — invite us deeper to view life from the simple and beautiful way my daughter sees and interacts with the world around her."

She added: "People like Johanna and Paul Drum shine and teach us to live day by day and love one another unconditionally."

The gingerbread house was a labor of love, taking a day to bake the sides and a full 9 hours to assemble and decorate on Thursday.

Her artwork is available for others to share: Johanna's art, on notecards, can be purchased here; all proceeds will be used to fund modifications to make her home more accessible for her needs.

The Paul Drum Life Experience Project, according to the organization's website, "affords children the opportunity to participate in a vast and diverse array of activities and workshops designed to open their worlds and expand their horizons," with an eye toward broadening fields of interest, piquing curiosity, and sparking an enthusiasm for learning.

"It all started with a young man's enthusiasm. Paul Drum was seeking a way to give back to the generous community who unconditionally accepted and supported him," the site explained.

Together, Paul's mom Sharon Sailor as well as Keturah Hurst and Arlene Klein worked together to make vision a reality.

Today, the free program is designed for children 7 to 12 years old who meeting once a week for 8 weeks during July and August. At each weekly session a new theme of interest is presented and led by an expert in that particular field. Varied topics may include signing for hearing children, robotics, touring an electric power plant, shark study, and so more.

The program grows with money provided by donations, sponsors, and "fun-raisers" including the "Pirates and Mermaids" breakfast held at Front Street Station every year.

Sharon Sailor expressed her gratitude to all who turned out Saturday: "It is you we should thank for showing that the Paul Drum Project and all we do goes much deeper than breakfasts and gingerbread. We bring community, families and all people to a happier place. Paul and Johanna are shining examples of what determination, a great attitude and a purpose does for one and all. They give and do more than many people with no special circumstances," she said.