Prayers continue to pour in from around the nation and even the world for Benjamin Pileski, 20, of Mattituck, who was struck by a taxi in Montauk on July 5.
Today, Gwen DeFriest, Ben’s mother, said her son continues remains on the intensive care floor at Stony Brook Hospital but continues on his journey forward.
Of her son, who woke from his coma, is able to form words, wave, and smile at friends and familiar photographs, she said, “He’s a miracle. We are blessed.”
It’s the prayers that have buoyed Ben’s family’s spirits, DeFriest said.
This week, on the Ben’s Corner Facebook page, DeFriest asked supporters to tell her where prayers are coming from.
Responses came from a flurry of states including Ohio, Florida, Arizona and more, with one friend even a Navy shipmate’s mom in Puerto Rico. DeFriest plans to get a large map to show Ben all the locations where people are praying for his recovery.
“I tell him about all the people in his corner who are praying and who care. So, so many people from all walks of life. I know some of them but a lot of them, I don’t. They’re people who hear his story and care enough to pray.”
Others post photos from a past road trip to Las Vegas, and daily jokes, to cheer Ben. DeFriest also welcomes ideas of possible books to read to him. “It’s all positive,” she said.
Ben’s family just wants to continue to thank everyone for their continued prayer and support.
“That’s what’s keeping me going,” his father Thomas Pileski has said.
The accident, which took place over July 4 weekend, happened during a time when Montauk was so flooded with massive crowds and cars that the East Hampton town board is now weighing restrictions.
Meanwhile, members of the North Fork community are working to help Benjamin by organizing a fundraiser. His family has also created a Go Fund Me account to help with expenses as Benjamin continues to heal.
Members of the Kait’s Angels group helped to set up the Ben’s Corner Facebook page, and now, have organized a fundraiser.
Kait’s Angels will host a Community Yard Sale on Saturday, August 15 at the Doorhy home, located at 1125 Ole Jule Lane in Mattituck.
