Ben's Heart Introduction

[garyedolan]

Welcome! A wonderful compliment that could be attributed and paid to any lady is to state that "she has the heart of a Ranger." You truly do! May you always continue to have a special place in your heart for all of us Rangers, as we now have for you.

[Ranger Ron]

Here is the latest news from Judy. She will be learning how to post herself as soon as she has a little more time.

Quote:

Good evening one & all,
I spent the morning into early afternoon down @ Northwestern Memorial Hospital today and have some 'perfect" news to share with you!!!
I had Echo, Cardiac cath & cardio biopsy, along with various other tests. To quote the doctors; my results were "perfect". After going down to NMH twice a week since transplant, now I do not have to go back until September 1 (two full weeks from and 6 weeks post-transplant). I will really miss leaving here before 7:00 a.m., the drive down & back, not to mention the pain; NOT!

In case you have not visited nor signed up for Ben's website updates; I really would like everyone to take a few minutes from their busy day to read the following Tribute to Ben.
(no password required)

Read the latest update and show your support at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/prayforben" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

THANKS & love from Judy

[cams]

Wow. This is just... an awesome, awesome thing to read.

Welcome ma'am.

[IntelToad]

Wow. I've read alot of amazing things on this site but this is really incredible. Welcome here and I hope you heal up quickly.

[Rangertab1]

Wow

[Jim]

Just so you would know the saga of Ranger Kopp's heart has made it into the British media:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-storie ... -21667280/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Steadfast]

Just incredible Ma''am. You using it makes the Ranger happy I would think.

[Ranger Ron]

Written by the friendly editor, P. McMillen

Judy writes that:

"I am not living in Winnetka due to toxic mold which is being remediated and should be back in by Halloween.
Medically, doing fine tho have "cankles" (that's calves swollen right into ankles) and am going in for more blood work Thursday 9/24 as there is slight elevation of kidney level and they are watching me closely; may change some of my medications."

Judy will meet face-to-face with Ben's mom, Jill Stephenson, over the following weekend in Dallas, where the National Learning Congress will honor Jill AND her mother (who donated Jill's brother's organs years ago when he died in a car accident at age 11--clearly, this family has a long tradition of heroism in the face of deep personal loss). I wish Jill, her mother, Jill's cousin Maria Burud (who will accompany Judy to Dallas), and the rest of the extended Ben Kopp delegation safe travel and a terrific, well-deserved celebration of their compassionate work in the organ donation field.

Finally - Judy asks me to remind everyone to check on their local laws for organ donation; a good site to get started is at http://www.donatelife.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. (Illinois residents: check out local law developments via the Secretary of State Jesse White's homesite; you can now register directly ONLINE as an organ/tissue donor, without witnesses, as long as you're over 18.)

Oops - one more thing - I'll try to post recent (London!) Daily Mirror coverage on our photos page...

--
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[rgrpuck]

Amazeing .....simply amazeing.....

The Ranger continues to serve in the most selfless way possible.

[Jim]

Whatever Happened To ... The mother who helped her deceased son live on

By Mark Berman
Sunday, May 2, 2010; W06

When her only son died last summer, Jill Stephenson easily could have withdrawn in grief. Instead, she focused on how her son -- Cpl. Benjamin Kopp, a 21-year-old Army Ranger who was shot during a battle in Afghanistan -- would have wanted to keep helping people. She carried out his wish to donate his organs.

Kopp's heart, pancreas, corneas, skin, tissue and bone went to various recipients throughout the country. But his kidneys and liver were donated to three people in the Washington area. The Washington Post shared Kopp's story Aug. 8, the day after he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Four months later, Stephenson, 42, of Rosemount, Minn., returned to Washington to meet the "two kidneys and a liver," as she calls the recipients.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... ailarticle" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Ranger Ron]

Don't know much about the mother but just this morning a got an email saying that Judy is doing fine health wise. So we can just hope and pray that things continue to go well for her. They spent most of this last year out of their home because they discovered mold in the house and had to get rid of it before she could stay there.

[al_2ndWolfhounds]

I joined this site after this great event happened. I am so sorry for his loss but he and his family is what gives me so much hope in the future of our country. As long as we have those who step forward as they have we truly have a bright future ahead.

[Nomad]

Ranger Ron, I'd like to include another note from Judy, that this Mother's Day will be particularly difficult for Jill. If anyone wishes to send greetings, her email is iambenkoppsmother@gmail.com.

If you're in contact with her, you should ask Mrs. Kopp to come register for an account here. She might find it quite comforting to be able to talk to other Ranger parents and might find herself able to say things out loud here that she feels she has to contain otherwise. We'd certainly be honored to have her here.

[Ranger Ron]

Ranger Ron, I'd like to include another note from Judy, that this Mother's Day will be particularly difficult for Jill. If anyone wishes to send greetings, her email is iambenkoppsmother@gmail.com.

If you're in contact with her, you should ask Mrs. Kopp to come register for an account here. She might find it quite comforting to be able to talk to other Ranger parents and might find herself able to say things out loud here that she feels she has to contain otherwise. We'd certainly be honored to have her here.

Sorry I am so slow here. I think they were both invited to join and I did set up an account for Judy. I certainly agree with you Nomad and I will again offer to give either or both of them whatever assistance I can to get them started. They are certainly both welcome here.

[RRDTm3]

Wow!
Welcome My Lady and Ranger Kopp's ticker!