Know that neither Ben Putland or Josh Lemis know I posted on this page regarding Ben's health . . . My children are Denbigh Alumni and former Band members who are still close to both Ben and Josh. I tried to keep the information I posted as appropriate and did not post the gofundme link in respect to those who might take offense to the idea that the update on Ben was meant strictly for a donation. I am just trying to reach out to the community at large that they grew up in so they can get support in whatever way each individual deems appropriate for their situation in life.
Thank you - P Anderson patriciaanderson57@gmail.com
posted July 21st, 2016
Ben Putland (2004) and Josh Lemis (2004) update
The following news from Ben on FB to all friends and family:
"About a year ago I was diagnosed with end stage renal failure. It came as a surprise and Skye and I were completely unprepared. My first stay in the hospital was right at two weeks and the bills started to pile up. I was able to qualify for some coverage through Medicare and a small amount was written off by the hospital. Despite this we continue to be overwhelmed by the standing debt. Fast forward a few months and I've been listed on the recipient list for kidney donation. I let my friends and family know and the very first person to offer to be tested, Josh Lemis, was a perfect match. We scheduled the surgery for a couple months down the road and started meeting with the transplant team. Josh took a substantial amount of unpaid leave from his job and drove from Texas to Tennessee to spend the time needed to go through the transplant and recovery. We went for a final meeting two days before the surgery and found out that one of my tests came back very high and forced us to postpone the surgery. The labs have been retaken and are normalizing but the team is still pushing the surgery back. This means that the Josh is going to have to take more time off and his costs are beginning to pile up as well. The majority of the money raised here is going to help him recoup his costs and cover some of the housing for the Josh, myself, and our supportive families that are helping us recover. It's a tremendous blessing that I found a living donor so quickly. Some folks have to wait years and getting through this so soon will extend the length and quality of my life greatly. My main regret is that I have to ask Josh to take even more time off and take even more of a loss just to benefit me. Accordingly, I've decided to take this to my friends and family and to ask that anyone and everyone who can help, please consider helping me to cover at least part of his losses. It has been a difficult path, but I am grateful for all the support I have already received and will continue to receive from my friends and loved ones. I am confident that there is a greater plan at work, and feel blessed to be a part of it.
Your prayers are precious. I know not everyone is able to make a donation, so please don't feel obligated. Your best wishes, keeping Josh and me company on FB, and knowing that we have your support is priceless.
If you do wish to donate, there is a gofundme link on my FB page (Benjamin Putland, Elizabethton, TN). Blessings.
Read and submit stories about our classmates from Denbigh High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Patriots.
The 2015-2016 school year is in full swing at Denbigh High School! The holidays are here along with all of the Patriots school events that come with them. Help keep your fellow Denbigh High School alumni informed of events in the community, fundraisers, new staff, grants, sports, safety classes, PTA events and more! Post your Denbigh High School school news here and give your fellow Patriots something to read about!
Posting your Denbigh High School news is easy! Enter the title for your article and all the details that explain what is happening. Please refrain from posting reunion information on this page.
