02/12/2026
When Benton was born, we didn't know anything was wrong. A healthy pregnancy, perfect scans, steady growth. We anticipated welcoming our first child and bringing him home a few days later. Instead, he came a little early. And couldn't quite breathe correctly. The staff at Essentia Health in Detroit Lakes recognized right away that he needed a higher level of care and so he was quickly whisked away to Fargo. Amy was left behind, recovering from an emergency cesarean section, while Sean traveled with Bennie to see what happened next. There were so many unknowns. It was scary. And overwhelming. And not at all what we expected.
The thing that made it manageable was the amazing support we received from so many. Doctors, nurses, friends, family...they all rallied around us. Essentia Health Detroit Lakes was home to us. Sean worked there. Our friends and neighbors worked there. It was a part of our community.
In the years since Benton's passing, we've been reminded so often of the gift of that space for so many and have worked hard to give back to the hospital that helped us through so much. This year, for Giving Hearts Day, we're once again asking for your donations in support of Essentia Health Detroit Lakes and all the good they do for expectant families who face so many unexpected outcomes.
The direct link to Benton's Hope is below. Thank you for being a giving heart today and always.
https://app.givingheartsday.org/ #/charity/115
