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Their story begins with the couple's 14 year old daughter, Chasse, who recently had her 10th surgery to correct problems caused by Multiple Hereditary Exostosis (MHE), an inherited genetic disorder. The disease causes bumps to grow on bones that interfere with a bodys normal growth and mobility. Chasse's first surgery occurred when she was just 4 years old. Nine subsequent surgeries were performed to correct the deformities. Doctors at Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis, who treat Chasse, have told the Bennetts that she has hundreds of large spurs all over her body. More of them may have to be removed as she gets older. One large spur already has affected the growth of her legs. Two of her sisters, Berea 15, and Hazelle, 10, also have MHE, although their condition is not as serious. Even so, all three girls have to travel to Minneapolis regularly for checkups and surgeries. They will continue to be monitored until they stop growing. Thankfully that's when the spurs will stop growing, also. The Bennett's have four other children, Angel who is 21, Andrew 8, Lydia Jean 6 and Wesley 3, none of whom have the disease. The family is further challenged by the fact the Warren is blind and has been since 1978 when his eyes were burned in an industrial accident while at work. Since that time Warren has dedicated his life to the Lord and the family now publishes a monthly pro-family, pro-life newspaper. Warren sells the advertising and coordinates most of the production from an office in the family's modest home. Running the business from their home has allowed him to support the family, despite his disability. Mrs. Bennett helps out when she can but she keeps busy home-schooling their children. While the challenges of managing a household of seven children might sound over-whelming to many people - especially when one of the parents is blind and three of the seven children are afflicted with a disease - the couple say they see their situation and their children as a gift from God. Someone once asked us why we didn't get a handicapped sticker for the car, Mrs. Bennett said, and the children responded, "Who's handicapped?" In 2003, the Bennett's were awarded Family of the Year by the Nebraska Family Council for their work to strengthen and encourage Nebraska families. As a friend of this wonderful family I would love to see them have their first vacation ever to Branson, MO where good clean family entertainment abounds. |
Thanks so much, Pat, for submitting our story for the Believe in Dreams program. Thanks to everyone for all the very kind comments! We are very humbled by all of the loving support. I tried to submit a family photo - but it apparently didn't work. We do have lots of photos up on our website at: www.nebraskafamilytimes.net. God bless all of you! Vyckie Bennett
We were visiting Warren's family about three hours south of here last week and on the way home our van died on the Interstate. It was a piston, so the engine is completely shot. If we do win this vacation, we may have to borrow a vehicle to travel in!
We would appreciate your prayers and we want to give thanks to the Lord for keeping us all safe and also for His provision of wonderful Christian friends who came to our rescue and even loaned us a van to use until we can get our poor old van fixed up.
Thanks again for your support and encouragement. I do keep a blog at: http://nftvyckie.blogspot.com/ where I try to post updates semi-regularly.
God bless! Vyckie Bennett
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Comments
Submitted on 6/2/2006 by Lou Ann Chamberlin
I love this family, as they are my very own youngest daughter and her husband, and seven of my grandchildren. Naturally I would love to see them enjoying a vacation together.
Submitted on 6/3/2006 by Alison Okerblom
Submitted on 6/3/2006 by Deb Roennebeck
Submitted on 6/3/2006 by Darlene Harper
Submitted on 6/3/2006 by Glenna Underwood
Submitted on 6/4/2006 by
Submitted on 6/4/2006 by Corrie
Submitted on 6/5/2006 by Sharon Wyrick
Submitted on 6/5/2006 by Lataine Crowther
Submitted on 6/5/2006 by Cheryl Roberson
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Beth Pankratz
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Tamara Harris
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by NC Momy
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Beckey, a fellow MOMYS
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by PAT LOONTJER
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Trish, a fellow MOMYS
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by MINISTER JEFFREY &CHIFFON KEYS
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Janelle, another MOMYS
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Melissa Ross, MOMYS
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Dr. Jeffrey A. Rub
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Bevan Family - In Australia
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Angela in CA, a fellow Momys
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Carrie Nelson
Submitted on 6/6/2006 by Roxanne
Submitted on 6/7/2006 by Jeanne Blank
Submitted on 6/7/2006 by Sandra Martin
Submitted on 6/8/2006 by Melissa Adams -MOMY
Submitted on 6/8/2006 by Rod B.
Submitted on 6/8/2006 by Trish Evans
Submitted on 6/8/2006 by Anita Wells
Submitted on 6/8/2006 by Vyckie Bennett
Submitted on 6/8/2006 by Jean
Submitted on 6/8/2006 by Susan, another MOMY
Submitted on 6/8/2006 by Darleen-Mom of an MHE patient
Submitted on 6/9/2006 by Mindi - MOMYS in WI
Submitted on 6/9/2006 by Jaynie Swager
Submitted on 6/9/2006 by Lynn
Submitted on 6/9/2006 by Frances
Submitted on 6/10/2006 by Constance
Submitted on 6/12/2006 by Christy Sharp-RO MOMY
Submitted on 6/13/2006 by Serene in Singapore
Submitted on 6/13/2006 by Sara from Maine (fellow MOMYS)
Submitted on 6/13/2006 by Byrd Stilwell
Submitted on 6/14/2006 by Kathryn - MOMYS in DE
Submitted on 6/17/2006 by Claudette
Submitted on 6/19/2006 by Jenny- TX- MOMYS
Submitted on 6/20/2006 by Alida Korns
Submitted on 6/21/2006 by Melony Dunnivant
Submitted on 6/26/2006 by Priscilla
Submitted on 6/27/2006 by Helen Holland, Manchester, UK
Submitted on 6/28/2006 by Tracy Graves
Submitted on 6/29/2006 by Tanya B in TX (Above Rubies group)
Submitted on 6/30/2006 by Karen Kumpf (in the big O!)
Submitted on 7/6/2006 by Angel Bennett
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