[Please note the spelling of his first name; it was incorrect in the intial info Soldiers' Angels received. Orginal Post, Update 1 ]
As promised, Jonathan's mother Marjorie has updated us on his condition. This has been a better week than last week, despite numerous surgeries and a close call. Things are looking up, but his situation is still fragile:
Jonathan is a fighter. He's fighting for his life now. All of his numbers are better, But he is one sick young man.
He has a long road ahead of him. He needs your love and support.
We are setting up an account for him. Some have said they would give flying miles. That would be GREAT!! We have to go back and forth [between Minnesota and Texas]. If that works for anyone, it is much needed. The Doctors have said that they think he will be there for 1-2 years.
Again, THANK YOU FOR EVERY CARD SENT!!! He needs encouragement. He is a great kid.
Marjorie
Jonathan Benson
c/o Marine Liason
Brooke Army Medical Center
3851 Roger Brooke Drive
Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234-6200
I recently met a severely wounded Marine (incl. amputation of both legs and burns) who participated in a long-distance bike ride only 7 months after being wounded. He credited a positive attitude for his amazing rate of recovery (normally it takes at least 1-2 years to reach his stage). So if you can, please keep sending cards and notes to help Jonathan and his family maintain the positive attitude necessary for recovery.
Update: I wanted to share a comment that was left on a previous post about Jonathan:
I have a letter coming Jonathan's way as we speak. When it becomes available, please post the account information for whatever fund might be set up to assist Jonathan and [his] family (financially and airline miles). My wife April and I want to help out. I'm deployed in Iraq currently and hope to be back home no later than October. I don't know Jonathan personally, but let him know there's a Marine Sergeant at Al Asad who's pulling for him. Semper Fi.We dont' have to be Marines to remind Marine Jonathan that those of us who support the troops are Always Faithful and that he will not be forgotten in his time of need.
Update: Johnathan passed away on September 9, 2006.
More: original post, update 1, update 3, update 4, update 5]
