Benoits showered with help

When you think of the Triangle, it's easy to focus on a region growing as if it's on steroids.

But every once in awhile, I am reminded that the key ingredient that makes this such an alluring place is its people.

Its community.

Exhibit A: The story of Ethan Benoit, the 7-month-old boy who suffers the most severe (ultimately fatal) form of a disorder that has misshapen his bones and affected the function of every one of his organs. Strokes in late May left him mostly blind and deaf, unresponsive even to his parents' lullabies.

If he lives to his first birthday, he will need astronomically expensive surgeries at out-of-state hospitals that won't be covered by Medicaid.

I wrote about Ethan and his family a little over two weeks ago, detailing the sacrifices his parents have made to keep him alive.

It was a story, not a column. There was no plea for help. But the desperation of this family came through.

And this community responded.

Shane Benoit, Ethan's father, had been chaining his truck to a pole in the backyard every night so it wouldn't be repossessed. They needed it to get to the hospital.

Within days of the story, vehicles began showing up. A few needed work, but one is a 2000 Dodge Caravan, purchased from Capital Ford in Raleigh. It had a tank full of gas, and the manager of the dealership had bought the Benoits six months of insurance on the vehicle.

In the story, I also mentioned that Shane and Sherree Benoit had pawned their wedding rings to help meet living expenses.

A real estate agent in Zebulon got the name of the pawn shop and paid to retrieve Sherree's engagement ring.

Their simple wedding bands had been thrown into a pile to be melted down, so the agent and some friends bought the Benoits two new bands of gold.

A reader from Clayton learned that the Benoit family of six was gathering around a tiny table with three chairs. She brought over a solid oak table with six chairs -- and a like-new crib for Ethan.

At least two fundraisers are being organized: A motorcycle ride, on Oct. 13, starting at Batchelor's Tavern in Spring Hope. And a bowling tournament to help the Benoits and another family. That's Sept. 8 at Rainbow Lanes in Clayton, starting at noon.

Then there are the thousands donated to a trust fund in Ethan's name at Liberty Alliance Federal Credit Union (125 E. Gannon Ave., Zebulon NC 27597). One day, the Benoits found $500 cash in their mailbox.

Shane and Sherree Benoit are awed, though they know it barely makes a dent in their need.

"This has really given us new hope to go on," Shane said.

On Wednesday, Ethan was released from UNC Children's Hospital and driven by ambulance to the family's rented trailer near Zebulon.

His three siblings hand-lettered a banner to welcome him home.

The Benoits know they still have a long, long road ahead. But in this community at least, they do not walk alone.