Welcome to our little corner of the world! I’m Heidi, I’m married to Kit, we have six little ones keeping us busy ranging in ages from 22 down through 13. They’re adorable and amazing and wonderful!
In 2005 our third child decided to show up four months early at a whopping 22 ounces and give us a good scare. This blog was created to keep family and friends updated through our 4 months in the hospital. You can read a bit about his NICU story here. He started a wish list of places he would like to see and things he would like to do before his eyesight declines further, an anticipated complication due to his early arrival.
Over a couple year stretch of time we began working on that wish list and being blessed in countless ways by friends, family, our community, and complete strangers as Ben tackles this challenge with his typical passion. So thank you, whoever you may be! We’re glad you came by and we welcome your comments and messages.
We can be reached at heidi@thadenpierce.org or by snail mail through Kit’s stateside work:
Ben’s Wish List
c/o Hobby-Q
PO Box 2107
Lake Dallas, TX 75065-2107
Ben and all the kids LOVE postcards so if you want to send one from your hometown or your vacation spot then they would be thrilled. It’s the next best thing to him getting to see those places in person.
In 2016 Kit’s work relocated us from Texas to England! We’re absolutely loving our area, and the new location has made it possible to explore even more of Ben’s wishes – it’s been incredible.
And thank you!! We are completely blown away by this outpouring of support from around the world as Ben’s story was shared. While Ben made his wish list one evening hoping to have one dream come true. You have made SO MANY MORE happen… beyond his very wildest dreams. <3
I just found this site tonight as I have been reading your doula blog as I start my own doula career. Quite an inspiring read, I was born 30 years ago at 27w weighing 1 lb 13 oz with a 3 month nicu stay. I wish your family and Ben the best in his adventures and I hope he fulfills everything on his wish list!
Angie, I’m glad my doula blog has been helpful, and thank you of your comment! As a preemie mom I love to hear about other preemies growing and thriving. 🙂
Heidi – I just sent you an email about donating to your sons cause. I would love to make a contribution. I would recommend setting up a PayPal account & set up a quick page to where anyone can just go to the page, enter their credit card info and donate.
I just saw Ben’s story on HLN. Sending my love to you. I recently read a book by a man who went blind at age 7. It was called And there was Light, and it’s by Jacques Lusseyran. It’s a truly hopeful book.
I just read about you all and Ben on the Today show site. I noticed one of the spots been would like to see was Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Have you thought about Mobile, AL the original home of Mardi Gras? Mobile has parades and bead throwing just like New Orleans. There is a museum also. All of the neighbouring cities also have parades. I really just wanted to reach out to you. Mardi Gras is magical. Maybe there’s a way to also get Ben on a float to throw beads.
Hi Thad and family! I actually came here to mention Mobile, AL Mardi Gras as well…soooo, I’ll just second everything that previous poster said and add that the Mobile Mardi Gras is always touted as a family friendly event. I think what you guys are doing is magical and I can’t wait to read more!
Sorry, *Ben* and family :o)
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is not just for adults. There are plenty family parades. You should definitely consider bringing Ben to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I will offer you a room at my home and show you and your family a fabulous time. As Melanie said, Mardi Gras is magical!
After viewing a story my niece posted about your son on Facebook, I posted it on about 15 of the places listed on his wish list in Texas. One place responded they had already given tickets, and another will be going to the Director to see what they can do. I hope he gets to check off all his items.
Margaret, you’re so kind! I think all of Ben’s wishes in Texas will be fulfilled as we’ve had an outpouring of support from places in the community over the last couple months. Thank you though for working to help his wishes come true!
Hi Heidi, Ben and family!
A crazy girl from Canada here! I just want you to know I am going to be praying profusely. I wish I could donate money or do something but I’m a poor college student with nothing left but her words and prayers. To Ben, I hope everything you wish for comes true, it will buddy, it will. I have profuse faith in you and the community you’re surrounded by. And to your loving and strong family, you guys are phenomenal, so strong and lovely. You guys are honestly such an inspiration to watch.
Stay safe and take care y’all.
Much love from the other side of the u.s of a.
Hello Heidi!
My name is Janelle. I live in the metro part of New Orleans and saw Ben’s story on WWL 4 a local news station here. I am so thrilled that he will get to experience Mardi Gras. What a wonderful idea to have him see whatever he wants right now. I have a 5 yr old that had cataracts, strabismus and nystagmus. He has had multiple surgeries to correct the cataracts and strabismus. He was blind as a baby and I had no idea for a while there. I was heart broken when I learned this. He now has pretty good up close vision, but we very recently learned the acuity of his distant vision is 20/400. And with Nystagmus it also makes it very difficult to focus. I am both greatful and saddened because there is some vision but very limited. I realize how much it limits a person when they can’t see. At the same time you find ways around limitations when you have a you are told you can’t do something. Anyway, Ben is near and dear to my heart! God bless him and your whole family. I know that strength is key to a mother’s love, so stay strong Heidi! Thank you for sharing Ben with the world, he is an inspiration and a blessing. Janelle Mejia