About Us

Who are Ben's Buddies?

Ben's Buddies is a group of family and friends of Ben who volunteer their time and energy to raise money for the Benjamin Walker Hanson Neonatology Fund. Our mission is to empower and support families and friends who have suffered the loss of a child while raising funds for newborn research & education.

Ben's Buddies is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Click here to view a copy of the IRS determination letter.

What is the purpose of Ben's fund?

The Benjamin Walker Hanson Neonatology Fund is a perpetual endowment fund managed by the Minnesota Medical Foundation. The Fund has been established by Ben’s parents Brian and Kate Hanson and will support research and education at the University of Minnesota Division of Neonatology.

The Fund serves as a lasting legacy in memory of Ben Hanson. It’s an expression commitment to improving neonatal health to benefit future generations of children and of thanks to the neonatologists and fellows who treated Benjamin during his life.

The purpose of the Fund is to support the neonatology program at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Distributions from the Fund may be used to support neonatology fellows, research or education in areas of greatest need as approved by the Director of the Division of Neonatology, in consultation with the Head of the Department of Pediatrics.

What is a Neonatologist?

A Neonatologist is a pediatrician who specializes in the care of very young infants.

How can I donate directly to the fund?

To make an online donation to the Benjamin Walker Hanson Neonatology Fund click HERE. Your donation is fully tax deductible.

About Ben

Ben was born six weeks premature on March 3rd, 2005 with a rare lymphatic disorder. Ben was a courageous, beautiful boy. Although not expected to live through his first night, Ben fought for over two months, passing away in the early morning hours the day after Mother's Day.

Ben was diagnosed at birth with Hydrops Fetalis, where the lymph vessels are abnormally dilated causing excessive accumulation of lymph fluid that often results in death. Hydrops can be caused by many different underlying ailments. In Ben's case, the cause was determined to be Systemic Lymphangiectasia after his death. This disease is quite rare and very little is known about it, even the cause.

Ben touched many hearts through his CaringBridge website and online journal kept by Ben's parents. Click HERE to read Ben's Journal and the many inspirational messages left by his family and friends.

Ben spent his life at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital in St Paul, MN. The Neonatology Fellows from the University of Minnesota were an instrumental part of his care.

© 2018 Ben's Buddies. All rights reserved. Ben's Buddies is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Click here to view a copy of the IRS determination letter.