Hometown Hero: Benjamin McDermott
By Alexandra Cowley
acowley@abc6.com
"It felt like I was officially part of a team," explained Benjamin.
Sometimes the most unlikely of friendships can be life changing. This one certainly has been for 8-year-old Benjamin McDermott and his family.
Benjamin has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. He can’t walk or do things boys his age love, like playing football. But when some high school students came into his life, something amazing happened.
Here’s why Benjamin is ABC6’s Hometown Hero.
On Sunday, the East Greenwich football team became Superbowl Champions. Rounding out what’s been an incredible season for the team and their fans.
"There’s only one way to describe them, they’re awesome," says Benjamin, the Avengers’ biggest fan.
"Well I haven’t known them for a while, but I feel like I’ve know them for my whole life," says Benjamin, talking about high school Junior Kate DePetro, and the Avengers quarterback, Nick Andreozzi.
"Well, they feel like family," adds Benjamin.
You’re probably wondering how these high school kids came to know Benjamin. It all started with Kate, who heard through a friend that the McDermott’s were trying to raise money for a wheelchair accessible van.
Kate felt compelled to help, and after meeting Benjamin for the first time, a unique bond was formed. Kate put together a YouTube video about Benjamin hoping to raise money for the ramp van.
"Benjamin and I played Power Rangers and we clicked, it was really fun," says Kate.
Kate began spreading the word throughout the high school getting everyone involved, including the football team, Benjamin’s favorite.
"Well, I started liking football when I was seven," explains Benjamin.
He didn’t just get introduced to the football team, he was made an honorary captain. Complete with his own jersey, jacket, and hat.
"Benjamin is at every game he can get to. Rain or shine, he’s there," says the team’s quarterback, Nick.
He’s even joined the captains on the 50-yard line for the coin toss.
"It felt like I was officially part of a team and I even got to pick my number," smiled Benjamin.
"He was the captain of us all year. I think he was really the energizer bunny for us all year and the factor behind us winning all these games. Because we always had in the back of our minds that Benjamin was going to help us along the way," explains Nick.
It didn’t take long for Benjamin to become the star of the team. Soon, everyone knew his situation and wanted to help out. A few fundraisers later, the McDermott’s purchased their much needed ramp van.
"Its something we prayed about getting, a ramp van. I truly believe God put it on the heart of these children to say, you know what, we need to help this little boy and his family," says Benjamin’s mom, Karyn.
Karyn is in awe of the kindness her family has been shown by these kids, who used to be strangers. But she now considers family.
"It has just been such a blessing for our whole family. It’s been fun for Benjamin, it’s been fun for our family. And how amazing that these teenagers took the initiative to come and help a child they didn’t even know. To want to make him part of a team, and not feel so different, but part of a team. I think that’s just beautiful," explains Karyn.
What’s even more beautiful is the impact Benjamin has had on the team.
"The East Greenwich community was lucky to have this little gem in our lives and we were lucky to give back to him and make this community a better place with Benjamin around," says Nick.
"It’s really inspiring to everybody because, you know, you kind of take a step back and realize how fortunate you are, and how somebody who has a disability is able to stay positive and make you laugh and not let what his life hit him with get in the way," says Kate.
Benjamin will be at the football team’s banquet this Saturday and Mom Karyn tells ABC6 they will definitely keep in touch.
© WLNE-TV 2015
