Red Deer rallying for “Big Ben” following stroke
The community is stepping up in a big way for the man known as “Big Ben.”
Ben Barthel is a fire medic with Red Deer Emergency Services. Earlier this month, Barthel needed the help of specialized surgeons and was rushed out of town for emergency surgery.
Barthel, who is 42, underwent successful surgery but suffered a stroke afterward. He has since been taken out of cardiac intensive care but remains in hospital and faces a long road to recovery.
Friends quickly started a GoFundMe campaign in support of Barthel and his family, which includes three children and two grandchildren. They had a modest goal of raising $3,000 but in just one day raised more than $16,000.