While the Capitals were battling the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night, one tiny, important Caps fan from our community was accepting a major award. Bensten Schone was given the 30th anniversary Victory Award from the National Rehabilitation Hospital/Medstar. The event was held at the Mellon Auditorium and hosted by NBC 4’s Doreen Gentzler.
The Victory Award was created in 1986 to celebrate the victory of the human spirit and to honor individuals who best exemplify exceptional strength and courage in the face of physical adversity. B-Man overcame all odds last Winter after being struck by a vehicle while sledding. The RMNB and Caps community rallied behind Bensten and his beautiful family. You can walk down memory lane here.
Bensten, wearing a red Washington Capitals bowtie during, rubbed elbows with TV stars, CEOs, and paralympians.
“It’s only the second or third time a child has won the award,” Bensten’s mother Heather wrote to me. “The previous honorees are pretty impressive: political leaders, famous musicians, and actors. We were floored, and so very proud of him.”
Past notable honorees include: Sen. Bob Dole (1986), White House press secretary James Brady (1987), Ray Charles (1987), Johnny Cash (1988), Sam Donaldson (1996), Kirk Douglas (2003), and Stevie Wonder (2004).
“The Victory gala was a fantastic celebration of the perseverance and bravery of Bensten and three other honorees,” Bensten’s father Lance said. “But just as important, it was a recognition of the significant contributions of the nurses, therapists, doctors, technicians and administrators who make it possible for people like Bensten to realize their recovery potential.”
“The night was made even more special when they played a surprise video message from Ted Leonsis,” Lance continued. “He was articulate and thoughtful. The entire Caps organization is the most classy group of individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Their continued support has had a profound impact on Bensten and the rest of our family.”
Since October, the Schones have watched each Caps game together as a family. While they missed last night’s Game Four to attend the gala, they kept a close eye on the score throughout the night. B-Man even had his lucky puck at the table the entire time.
Life took a dramatic turn in the winter of 2015 for young Bensten Schone, when he was struck by a vehicle in his neighborhood while sledding. Bensten, age 7, was resilient through his rehabilitation and gained many admirers ranging from those who cared for him at Children’s National Health System and MedStar National Rehabilitation Network’s Inpatient Pediatric Unit – the National Center for Children’s Rehabilitation – a joint program with Children’s – to players with the Washington Capitals and Nationals. Through his rehabilitation and support from his parents, family and friends, Bensten is on his journey to being just a kid again and ‘Rocking the Red’ for his favorite hockey team – the Caps!
We are all so proud of you, B-Man.
Introducing first Victory Awards® honoree, Bensten Schone, a former pediatric patient at MedStar NRH #pray4bman #MedStarNRH30
— MedStar NRH (@MedStarNRH) April 21, 2016
Bensten did his rehab at National Center for Children’s Rehab at #MedStarNRH a joint program with @childrenshealth – #MedStarNRH30
— MedStar NRH (@MedStarNRH) April 21, 2016
Bensten was injured sledding in his neighborhood last winter in McLean, VA – #MedStarNRH30
— MedStar NRH (@MedStarNRH) April 21, 2016
Players from @washcaps @Nationals are BIG fans of Bensten! – #MedStarNRH30
— MedStar NRH (@MedStarNRH) April 21, 2016
Bensten Schone, one of the #MedStarNRH30 Anniversary Victory Awards® honorees, is sharing his experiences! pic.twitter.com/F3bPIDH1Ec
— MedStar NRH (@MedStarNRH) April 20, 2016
#MedStarNRH30 pic.twitter.com/MGxuxzRamg
— Eva H (@ebear313) April 20, 2016
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