A Player is Down and Needs Our Prayers

[EMANON]

Ben Hepp, A 15 year old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Tuesday. Ben played on the Tour Venom 87 PeeWee Team last year. He has already had one brain surgery and is expected to have another one on Friday. Needless to say Ben really needs your prayers and support. If anyone would like to send Ben a card, you can mail it to me and I will forward it on to him. Thank you for your prayers and support.
I will keep you all updated on his progress.

Mail your cards to:

Ben Hepp
c/o The Spezia Family
22817 Schafer
Clinton Township, MI 48035

For those who don't know who Ben is. Ben is a member of the "Joe Dumars Roller Hockey Family" and has been in our thoughts and prayers since finding out. I am asking for you to put Ben in your prayers too.
This post was copied from another web site because as another post that read "Where one goes down, we all do" This is so true. Ben our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hang in there bud!

[RichardGraham]

Hi EMANON,

Inline Hockey Central expresses its sincere condolences and best wishes to Ben and his family. Hockey players are the toughest people on earth, just ask Saku Koivu. Hang in there, Ben!

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[flyersindc]

On behalf of MLRH.com and all the players in Major League Roller Hockey, get well soon, Ben! We're pulling for you, buddy!

Jim McNulty
Editor, MLRH.com



http://www.mlrh.com/images/MLRHlogo.gif

[MBurke]

On behalf of the Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association and all of its member teams, our deepest prayers are with you. We're pulling for you!



Mike Burke
Commissioner
Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association
http://www.ecrha.net

[bobobee]

We are pulling for you Ben. Inline players are tough. I know I'm speaking for all our Canadian teams..Hang in there, from the coaching staff of Team Ontario.....
Bob Bradley, Walter Gretzky, Bob Coyne<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by RichardGraham on 08/31/02 04:29 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

[EMANON]

Ben is out of surgery and doing as well as expected. There were able to remove the tumor which was really 4 tumors in one sac. They believe to have gotten them all.
He is in ICU on a respirator which is normal because of the length of his surgery. They expect to start waking him up during the night. It will be 7-10 days before the results of the tumor biopsy are back. Please keep praying for him. Ben was given these postings last night before his surgery and he was beside himself with all of the support you people have given him. Thanks you so much from Ben's parents and me and everyone of Ben's friends. You are the greatest people in the world. I will keep you updated on his progress!! Keep Praying and once again............THANK YOU!!!!!!

Again copied from another web site to make all aware of Bens condition. Hockey players are a close knit family and when one is down we all are down.
Wishing you a quick recovery Ben. We want to see you playing in the 2003 Nationals. Goes to show what the power of prayer can do. Hey Ben you'll be on your skates in no time. Keep your chin up bud! Looking forward to seeing you in less then a year.

[missionhockey21]

People like Ben and Saku Kouivu are truly the most amazing people. To battle what they've battle is something I can't even imagine. Hockey players must be made of something else to help them survive in the game and in life. My family's thoughts and prayers are with Ben and we all hope that he will be skating in no time.

[sixpack]

Just saw this now, but its great to hear he's out of surgery and that the think they got it all. But, Hey like everyone says hockey players are tough, so let him know that if he loves hockey he is good to go. And that he needs to get strong and get his butt back to practice soon.
Its guys like him who make this game so great when they don't quit, even after something like this. I wish him and his family the best of luck with this situation, and would also like to say that yes, the hockey family is the greatest on earth. We hate each other most of the time , but, when it really comes down to it we're all on the same team!

Get better soon Ben, eventough I don't know you I miss you on the rink!!!!!
IN HOCKEY
MIKE

[EMANON]

Just spoke with someone at the hospital. Ben is still in a coma but the doctors said that was pretty normal for the type and length of the surgery. Thanks for your continued support and I will update this as soon as there is any change in his condition. Keep praying!

I've been cpying and pasting the posts for Ben but I really need for all to know that Kelly (TV2K) is the person who is responsible for the updates and the original post of Bens situation. She is from Ben's area and has been posting the condition on a fellow web site. Thank you so much Kelly for letting us know of Ben. I personally do know Ben that was why I placed the post here on this web site. Every prayer helps.

[Daryl]

My prayers are with you.
Get well soon.

Daryl Moore

(When you are well enough e-mail me and I will hook you up with some WMU Bronco hockey tickets.)

[gekigangarIII]

God bless you Ben! We're all with you, don't forget you're not alone in this!

Get some rest and relax for a while. You'll be back in the swing of things before you know it!

You're in all of our prayers, and we're not just saying that!

[EMANON]

Today is Tuesday and Ben is still in a coma. There is no report on what the neurological outcome will be. We can only continue to bond together in prayer and to not forget to hug your children often. The total financial burden will be tremendous on the family and with some cooperation and determination maybe the roller hockey family can band together in a nationwide fund raiser to help them out. Any suggestions or ideas should be posted. Thanks again to all of you who care.
Posted By Patty D. who is one of the Bantam hockey moms from the Michael D, Dumars Fieldhouse where Ben plays.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Patty,

I will get things going.

I have a Montreal Roadrunners Roller Hockey International CCM replica jersey that I will raffle off from Inline Hockey Central to help pay some of Ben's hospitalization costs. The beautiful red &quot;away&quot; jersey has the sharp Roadrunners' logo, &quot;footprints&quot; on each shoulder, and the CCM Roadrunners logo on the back at the bottom right.

Readers wanting to help Ben who are interested in the jersey can send $5.00 to mailto:[email protected]@aol.com</A> via <A HREF="http://www.PayPal.com" target="_new">http://www.PayPal.com</A>, or send cash, a check, or money order in the same amount to IHC, P.O. Box 409, Santa Monica, CA 90406-0409. I will keep IHC's Message Board updated on the progress of the raffle, naming entrants should they so choose, so that everyone realizes this is above board and not a way to profit myself or IHC.

I will post a photo of the jersey just as soon as I can.

Again Inline Hockey Central sends its prayers and deepest wishes for a quick and full recovery for Ben Hepp, and support to his family and teammates.

Thank you again, Patty, for your work in keeping Inline Hockey Central's readers abreast of Ben's condition.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[columbus_RHstar]

can we send cash?

[RichardGraham]

Hi columbus_RHstar,

Sure. No problem.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

The Roadrunners jersey is now shown in the story I put on IHC's Home Page about Ben Hepp.

You can see it at:

<A HREF="http://www.inlinehockeycentral.com/amin/benhepp083102.shtml" target="_new">http://www.inlinehockeycentral.com/amin/benhepp083102.shtml</A>

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[EMANON]

Ben is starting to come around. He is still on a respirator but he opened his eyes tonight and did respond by squeezing a hand so lets' hope that he can continue to improve. Thank you all again for all of your thoughts and prayers. I am copying all of these posts and putting them in a scrapbook for Ben so that when he is feeling better he can see just how many wonderful people are behind him. Thanks! God Bless You All!
Thank you for your promise to donate into Ben's Fund. We are looking into a trust fund for him. As soon as that is finalized, I will post an address to where you can send the money. Thank you again for your donation and your kindness.

Kelly ( TV2K )
This post belonged here.

I'm glad to hear that Ben is starting to come around. Prayers are still being said and will be until Ben is up and strapping on the skates.

[LetsRoll]

Rich,

Count me in. I've sent $20 for four raffle tickets.

My prayers are with you, Ben!

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

So far, IHC has received $45 plus a promise of $5 for Ben Hepp's hospital costs. The total of $50 MIGHT go for 1 minute of hospital care, I'm not sure. We have 1,368 registered IHC Message Board readers. Surely we can do better than this!

Thanks so far to:

Dena Pantazi
Chad Spezia
Tyler Spezia
Alyssa Spezia
LetsRoll (4 raffle tickets)
Gary Griffaw

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[columbus_RHstar]

I sent my money ($10) today (9/5) so there is more on the way.

[missionhockey21]

Me and my brother are going to get our money out to you tonight RG. Just to tell you guys if all of the 1,368 members gave $5, that would be $6480 for Ben, if everyone pulls together it can help out a lot.

[TV2K]

I have just returned from the bank where I have set up an account for Ben. I will be the administrator of the account and will make sure that all funds are deposited and distributed properly. For those of you that have already pledged the money, Thank you soooo much.

Please makes checks payable to:

The Ben Hepp Brain Tumor Fund

You can mail them to me and I will see that they are deposited. Thanks again.

Kelly Spezia
22817 Schafer
Clkinton Township, Michigan 48035

I am going up to see Ben tonight and I will write later and let you all know how he is doing.

Also for those of you who can't afford alot, inlinehockeycentral.com is having a raffle. They are raffling off a Roadrunners Jersey for $5.00 a ticket. All proceeds going to Ben so check it out at their site. Every little bit helps!

[RichardGraham]

Hi missionhockey21,

Thanks for your support! You make a great point; I hope a lot more IHC readers will come through for Ben and his family.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[RichardGraham]

Hi columbus_RHstar,

Fantastic! Thanks. It would be great if we could get enough money to give the Hepp family a big check.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[RichardGraham]

Hi LetsRoll,

Thanks very much! Appreciate it, and I know the Hepp family will too.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[SpeedDemon]

Could I suggest setting up a PayPal account (http://www.paypal.com) so that people may make contributions in the name of Ben's fun online? It has been my experience that many more people are inclined to donate if there is an easy, secure way to do it online, rather than having to use US Mail.

You can sign up for free at http://www.paypal.com and people can then send donations easily and quickly.

[RichardGraham]

Hi SpeedDemon,

PayPal is one of the options listed, unless I'm mistaken. /wtimages/icons/wink.gif

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

As of today, IHC has received $70 plus a few pledges for Ben Hepp's hospital costs.

Thanks so far to:

Dena Pantazi
Chad Spezia
Tyler Spezia
Alyssa Spezia
LetsRoll (4 raffle tickets)
Gary Griffaw
Missionhockey21 (5 raffle tickets)

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[RichardGraham]

Hi EMANON,

What's the latest with Ben's condition? I hope he's continuing to improve!

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

As of today, IHC has received $115 towards its goal of $1,000 for Ben Hepp's hospital costs.

Thanks so far to:

$5, Dena Pantazi
$5, Chad Spezia
$5, Tyler Spezia
$5, Alyssa Spezia
$20, LetsRoll
$5, Gary Griffaw
$5, Colohockeydad
$25, Missionhockey21
$5, Ernie Neve, MLRH Philadelphia Sting
$25, Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey
$5, Rob Kordylewski, Buffalo Roller Destruction
$5, Gary Del Vecchio

(Please let me know if I've left anyone out. I don't think so.)

Only $885 to go.... /wtimages/icons/tongue.gif

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

Here's the latest update on IHC's jersey raffle to benefit Ben Hepp. Today, David Ward, the father of one of the players on the Williamsburg Warriors, the MLRH 2002 Champions, purchased two raffle tickets.

Here's where we stand:

$5, Dena Pantazi
$5, Chad Spezia
$5, Tyler Spezia
$5, Alyssa Spezia
$20, LetsRoll
$5, Gary Griffaw
$5, Colohockeydad
$25, Missionhockey21
$5, Ernie Neve, MLRH Philadelphia Sting
$25, Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey
$5, Rob Kordylewski, Buffalo Roller Destruction
$25, Gary Del Vecchio
$100, Doug Jones, Wayne Gretzky Roller Hockey Centers
$10, David Ward

Only $755 to go to reach IHC's goal of $1,000. We can do it!

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

Here's the latest update on IHC's jersey raffle to benefit Ben Hepp.

Yesterday, Bill Raue of Major League Roller Hockey sent $20 via PayPal.com.

We have now raised $265:

$5, Dena Pantazi
$5, Chad Spezia
$5, Tyler Spezia
$5, Alyssa Spezia
$20, LetsRoll
$5, Gary Griffaw
$5, Colohockeydad
$25, Missionhockey21
$5, Ernie Neve, MLRH Philadelphia Sting
$25, Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey
$5, Rob Kordylewski, Buffalo Roller Destruction
$25, Gary Del Vecchio
$100, Doug Jones, Wayne Gretzky Roller Hockey Centers
$10, David Ward
$20, Bill Raue, Major League Roller Hockey

Only $735 to go to reach IHC's goal of $1,000. Is your donation on the way?

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central