Triumph in Adversity

            A remarkable eleven-year old boy recently became the focus of a moving saga of endurance and determination. Ben Baltz had just entered his third triathlon held on Pensacola Beach, Florida when some unusual events occurred. He had finished the 150-yard swim and the three-mile bike ride, but something went wrong about a half-mile into the run. The screws on his prosthetic leg came loose, breaking in half, and down he went on the track. You see, Ben is a triathlete with one leg!

            According to Katie Tammen’s reporting of the story in “The News Herald,” what followed has captured the attention of the nation. While Ben was debating whether he could hop or maybe crawl the rest of the mile, a young Marine, who was volunteering in the youth event, stepped in. According to Ben, Matt Morgan said, ‘You need help?’ and I said, ‘Sure,’ and he picked me up and carried me.” For the next half mile, Ben held on to Pfc. Morgan with one arm, while holding the prosthetic leg in the other. As they reached the finish line, the crowd began to roar. Ben and Morgan didn’t speak much at that point, but other Marines gathered around and “sang a cadence.”

            Although grateful for the help, Ben admitted that he was frustrated and embarrassed that he couldn’t finish the course on his own. He had enjoyed great freedom of movement since being fitted for the prosthetic leg in 2009. Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) resulted in the removal of his lower right leg. He has accomplished some amazing feats, and, up to this triathlon, the worst malfunction came during a soccer game when he finished by using duct tape to hold the “leg” together.

            The news of this latest episode spread quickly on CNN’s website, and elsewhere. Ben continues to be mystified as to why so many want to speak with him, especially since he didn’t finish the race on his own. According to John Murray, who was involved in organizing the event, those who gathered at the finish line were deeply moved by the sight. He said, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. …I was just overcome with emotion.”

            Just what did the crowd witness that would bring such a response? First, they saw a young “handicapped” boy with amazing intestinal fortitude (“guts”); one who displayed phenomenal determination in participating in the race, and then in the midst of extreme trial, refused to quit. He planned to finish the event, one way or the other. At that point, Pfc. Morgan demonstrated a deed of loving intervention, as he picked up Ben and carried him across the line. Such a sight could only stir the hearts of all who gathered there.

            Reflecting on the saga, one can only be challenged by the example of Ben Baltz who has so wonderfully overcome a severe handicap, not only physically, but mentally. This is commendable and refreshing in a day when so many young people with lesser problems have “coped out” of personal responsibility. Someone has said, “The test of your character is what it takes to stop you.” Ben certainly passed that test. Pfc. Morgan witnessed Ben’s determination, and, in turn, he was compelled get personally involved.        The lessons taught by this episode are countless. It’s refreshing in this day to hear of a so-called “handicapped” sixth-grader who refuses to be another statistic; but rather he has accepted his uniqueness, and has chosen to triumph in his circumstance, despite all the on-going adversity. That’s a powerful word for us all.