The Ben Johnson Memorial Fund
Donation protected
Ben Johnson was a sophomore at Fleming Island High School. He was a tall, good looking, blonde haired kid. A football player, a baseball player, a brother, a son...the ring leader, the life of the party, and everyone’s good friend. As most will tell you, he was more than a good friend…and that’s the best way to describe him. He was big Ben with a big laugh and a big presence and a big heart. Everyone that knew him, and even some that really didn’t, wanted to be around him.
On a September morning, Ben collapsed at school during his weight training class and suffered sudden cardiac arrest and a catastrophic, traumatic brain injury. Ben was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. His time on this earth was finished, but not before he would make one more lasting impact…for you see, when Ben was getting his driver’s license, he had decided to be an organ donor. In the most selfless of acts, Ben’s parents Aaron and Tricia honored his decision and were able to donate Ben’s organs and save three lives. As Aaron and Tricia have said, “It brings us comfort that through Ben’s death, others were given another chance at life”.
The outpouring of love, prayers and support from family, friends and even complete strangers has been tremendous. It didn’t take long for Aaron and Tricia to realize they wanted to continue to honor Ben and give back to the community he so loved, the community that wrapped their arms around the family in their time of sorrow and grief. As such, The Ben Johnson Memorial Fund was created.
One of the ways the fund will be used is to provide a scholarship to a FIHS athlete that exhibits the qualities most like Ben...good character, leadership, heart and friendship.
Aaron and Tricia along with Ben’s younger brother Tommy and his little sister Rachel, are adjusting to their new normal. It’s not easy, but through faith and the support of those around them they are figuring it out. It helps to know that his memory is alive and his legacy continues to make a difference in the lives of others.
On a September morning, Ben collapsed at school during his weight training class and suffered sudden cardiac arrest and a catastrophic, traumatic brain injury. Ben was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. His time on this earth was finished, but not before he would make one more lasting impact…for you see, when Ben was getting his driver’s license, he had decided to be an organ donor. In the most selfless of acts, Ben’s parents Aaron and Tricia honored his decision and were able to donate Ben’s organs and save three lives. As Aaron and Tricia have said, “It brings us comfort that through Ben’s death, others were given another chance at life”.
The outpouring of love, prayers and support from family, friends and even complete strangers has been tremendous. It didn’t take long for Aaron and Tricia to realize they wanted to continue to honor Ben and give back to the community he so loved, the community that wrapped their arms around the family in their time of sorrow and grief. As such, The Ben Johnson Memorial Fund was created.
One of the ways the fund will be used is to provide a scholarship to a FIHS athlete that exhibits the qualities most like Ben...good character, leadership, heart and friendship.
Aaron and Tricia along with Ben’s younger brother Tommy and his little sister Rachel, are adjusting to their new normal. It’s not easy, but through faith and the support of those around them they are figuring it out. It helps to know that his memory is alive and his legacy continues to make a difference in the lives of others.
Organizer
Jennifer Whiteman Fields
Organizer
Fleming Island, FL