In Memory of a Hero: Benjamin Vincent Margulies, 2004-2006

It is with great sadness that we must report today that Benjy has lost his battle with Tay-Sachs, and passed away this morning.   While the family is of course devastated, we take  comfort in remembering the time we had -- however short -- to get to know, love, and be inspired by this hero.   He waged an incredibly brave battle against a terrible disease.    And although he might have lost that battle in the end, he'll always live on in our hearts, and in the brave example he set for all of us who knew him.   

For all of those who have helped us in the past few years with your thoughts, prayers, actions, and donations, we cannot thank you enough.  You have helped to ensure that the time Benjy spent on this Earth was time surrounded by those who loved him, and could give him the care that he needed.  We thank you, and we ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. 

And we ask that you, like us, continue to be inspired by the brave example set by this incredible little guy. 

Update - Funeral Details:   

• Benjy's funeral will be held at the Moore Funeral Home in Valley Stream, New York, on Wednesday the 29th, from 9am to 10am.  (54 West Jamaica Avenue, tel: 516-825-0036).  Benjy will then be laid to rest in Manville, New Jersey, where he will be surrounded by family members of multiple generations.
• Balloons, not flowers:   Since Benjy always loved balloons, the family has asked that balloons be sent instead of flowers.
• Bright colors, not black:  The family has also requested that attendees not wear black, but wear bright colors instead -- in honor of all the light that Benjy brought into our lives.

Update - Donations:   

If you would like to make a donation in honor of Benjy, Josh has suggested sending a check to the people at Duke University who tried so hard to help Benjy:

Connie Stephens
Program Administrator
Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program
Box 3350 
Duke University Medical Center 
Durham, NC 27710

(People should put “Benjamin Margulies” in the “Comments” section of the check, and make the check payable to the “Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program.”)

Comments

[Donna Kennedy]

Oh my. I am so sad for you. I can feel your heartache and I am so, so sorry. I thought he was doing so well. There is nothing to say to take away your saddness right now, just know that we send our love, prayers and our heartfelt sympathy is with you and your family. May God hold you tight.

[Violet Sardo]

Just read the sad news on my email. My heart just dropped. My prayers are with all of you. There are no words to comfort you but I wanted you to know that I will keep you in my prayers. My love and sympathy to all the family.

[Pat Barbarino]

I am so sorry to hear about Benjy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all

[Pat Barbarino]

I am so sorry to hear about Benjy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all

[Pat Barbarino]

I am so sorry to hear about Benjy.My thoughts and prayers are with you all

[Nereida Torres]

Dear Elizabeth and Josh,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Benjy fought a tough battle and I know that he is smiling down on all of us because even though he did not win his battle here on earth he taught all of us to be stronger and more determined. May you find comfort in the joy that you shared with Benjy and know that he will continue to live in our hearts as a brave little soldier.

Love, Nereida

[Kim Crawford]

On behalf of the entire NTSAD family please accept my deepest condolences. I did not have the honor of knowing Benjy personally but even from a distance he touched my heart and will forever remain there. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

When my brother Kevin died a friend told me that a beautiful sunset is a soul making its way to heaven and the sunset the day Kevin died was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Even 17 years later I can still see and feel Kevin in the stars, on the wind and mostly in my heart; it gives me great solace – I hope it may do the same for you.

Sincerely,
Kim

[Michelle and Ruben]

We think about you all often and we are so, so sorry for your pain. We can only pray that sweet Benjy's memories will comfort your souls. With hugs and much love...Michelle and Ruben Fernandez

[Todd Whitley]

Elizabeth and Josh,
I am so sorry to hear of Benjy's passing. My heart is heavy with this loss and the pain you must be going through at this tine. May you find comfort in all of the love that your son has inspired and in the heroic battle you waged together.
Love,
Todd

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
- William Shakespeare, "Hamlet"

[Abby Nash-Hines]

My heart is broken. As I write this, I am sending you all my love and hope that these loving thoughts and my prayers will be of some comfort during this difficult time.

[Anonymous]

My condolences go out to Benjy's Family. May you find comfort in the memories of the you spent together.

[Jean Haldorsen]

Dear Elizabeth and Josh,

Benjy was a beautiful child and we will all miss him so much. I hope your grief is lightened by knowing that his brave fight will help and inspire others. My heart is with you both.

[Kerrie Ferrara]

I'm so sorry to hear about Benjy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Cindy W]

Benjy was a great fighter and will be remembered by so many beyond your family. All your friends and collegues know that you moved heaven and earth to do whatever you could for your Benjy. You're all in our prayers here.
Cindy and family

[Tony Javed]

I am deeply saddened to hear the world has lost another light. My deepest sympathies go out to you. Please take care of yourselves at this challenging time and know that we will all be keeping Bengy's smiling face in our hearts.

[Letizia]

Having lost a loved one myself a few days ago, my heart and prayer for little Benjy and family! God Bless.

[Vida]

Elizabeth & Josh, please accept my deepest sympathy's on the loss of your little angel Benjy. May you always remember the time shared with him and how he fought the good fight. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

[fourlegsgood]

My heart breaks for you both- please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.

All of you will be in my prayers tonight.

[Wendi Scherer]

Please accept my most heartfelt condolences at this most difficult time. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

[Olivier]

Dear Elizabeth and Josh,

I never had the privilege to meet Benjy, yet count him and his parents among my inspirations. I am in awe at your courage, and heartbroken by your loss. I will fly a balloon tomorrow night in honor of your scrappy little dude, and I will keep my thoughts with you.

[Donna and Michael Casano]

Elizabeth and Josh:

We're so sorry to hear about Benji. Please know that Benji will always have a place in our hearts. Also know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Donna and Michael

[Susan Westfall]

Elizabeth and Josh,
My heart aches for you and the loss of your light, bright Angel. You are all Heroes for choosing to walk down the brave path of science, cutting edge medical treatment, and hope. May you find comfort in knowing that your courage has helped move forward the process of healing for many others down the road, who will no doubt benefit from your inspiration, and from what your little Hero, Benjy, taught them. God Bless you and your loved ones during this difficult journey.

[Mary, Mark, Michael and Martin]

Dear Elizabeth and Josh,
Mark's and my heart are just breaking over your loss of Benji. Even when you are facing your darkest battles, God sends you a rainbow - Benji and you both where that for me while we where on 5200.
God bless you and keep you safe in the palm of His hands during this time.
With love and prayers,
Mary

[Hallema S. Clyburn]

Many Prayers to the Margulies Family.

May Benjy's Love continue to touch the heart of his family and forever be embedded in the Joyful Spirit of knowing that his life was the Precious Embodiment of Many Blessings.

Indeed he will be missed but his Beauty will remain at the Forefront of his Family.

Peace and Blessings

Hallema Sharif Clyburn and Family

[Tricia]

I am heartbroken to hear Benjy has earned his true wings. Though I know he out running around and playing with Conner & Madison - it is so hard to not keep up-to-date on him. We have always and will continue to keep your family in our prayers