Prayers are being answered as Benjamin Pileski, 20, who was hit by a taxi in Montauk, continues to improve, his family said.
Yesterday, his mother Gwen DeFriest, said, was a “magical day” with assessments ongoing and progress being made. Still in intensive care, Benjamin will be moving to a new room soon at Stony Brook Hospital.
Her son, DeFriest said, is “eating, and can spell words on command”, although he has not yet thought of his own words to spell. Her son, who worked on a farm in Mattituck for years, drew a tractor yesterday. She purchased a My First Crayola drawing set for Ben, and “he’s doing well with it,” she said today.
Still, DeFriest, said, there are challenges. “He is still getting severe headaches. There are also changes. His reactions are slower. He examines things more closely and seems to be in a trance at times. He has progressed quickly but he is still recovering,” she said.
To that end, the family has asked that visitors wait a few days before coming up to the hospital.
Benjamin’s brother Zach also visited him yesterday. “As I walked in his room he was holding two basketball stress balls, watching TV. He looked at me and we spoke together for the first time since before his accident. I stood there in a bit of shock at first; I didn’t know what to ask him. I asked him how he was feeling, if he remembered me and if he knew what was going on. I even went as far as asking if he remembered going skydiving just two days before his accident; he said he did,” Zach wrote on the Ben’s Corner Facebook page.
“At times he was a bit slow to answer but for the most part he did. . .Shortly after he dozed off again. Right now I sit besides him in disbelief. I will never be able to thank the doctors enough for saving my brother. He still has a long road to go but he has already shown how strong he is. Thank you everyone; just like the doctors, I won’t be able to thank you guys enough for your support and prayers,” Zach wrote.
When his mom asked if he wanted to write, to try to communicate, Benjamin was able to hold the pen perfectly. He reached out for his mother’s hand, and responded when asked to move his arms and legs.
When his friend Justin Tyler, who was also injured in the accident, arrived to visit, Benjamin was able to wave his hand at Justin’s mom Susan.
“Ben is starting to follow commands and staying awake for several minutes at a time,” DeFriest said. “He awakens and becomes anxious when he doesn’t see familiar faces.
DeFriest told SoutholdOCAL he actually was able to speak, moving his mouth to form the words “Good morning,” even though he technically can’t speak out loud because of the tracheotomy tube.
“He’s been lucid for longer periods of time,” DeFriest said.
DeFriest said the goal is to map out a plan for therapy. Navy representatives are also working to put a longer term plan in place.
“I feel confident to start looking ahead to his recovery now,” DeFriest said. “My heart is hopeful.”
Next, DeFriest said, is for a full assessment, to determine how much speech Benjamin is capable of, when the trach tube is removed, and also, a full assessment of his physical capabilities.
“I’m excited. I’m thrilled that when he opens his eyes, he looks and he recognizes his family,” DeFriest said. “We’re still waiting for his smile. That will be wonderful.”
His family said that Sunday, one week after Benjamin was critically injured after being hit by a car in Montauk, he awoke from his coma.
According to his father Tom Pileski, hospital staff has begun weaning Benjamin from medications keeping him in an induced coma — and he opened his eyes.
“He recognizes me, and he’s moving his legs and his arms and squeezing my hand. It’s fabulous. I’m amazed,” Pileski said. “I feel as though he’s out of the woods. He’s ours again.”
Sunday, the Boots on the Ground motorcycle group came by to the hospital, bringing gifts including a handmade crocheted sailor and a huge Navy flag. “When I held it up in front of him and asked if he knew what it was, he shook his head ‘yes,’” she said.
Her son, she said, is able to squeeze hands and even gave a thumbs up.
Ben’s family just wants to continue to thank everyone for their continued prayer and support.
“That’s what’s keeping me going,” Pileski said.
According to East Hampton Town Police Capt. Chris Anderson, the accident took place at 3:09 a.m. Sunday on Montauk Highway in Montauk Village, when a taxi traveling westbound struck Benjamin and his friend Justin Tyler, who were heading from the south side of the roadway. No charges were filed in the accident, Anderson said.
Justin, a fellow Mattituck High School graduate, is home from the hospital and continues to recuperate, his mother Susan said this week.
Members of the community are working to help by organizing a fundraiser. His family has also created a Go Fund Me account to help with expenses as Benjamin continues to heal.
In addition, Zach thanked the members of the Kait’s Angels group, who have been praying for his brother, 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.
