The fall and rise of Ben Fox
How a promising young hockey player used tragedy to inspire others
Ben Fox misses playing hockey more than anything in the world.
“Wish I could play again today,” said the 19-year-old Fonthill stroke survivor.
The once promising young defenceman is sharing his story in order to raise awareness for the 31st annual Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart in Toronto on June 3.
“The ride to me means a lot because it’s raising money and awareness for heart disease and stroke, a cause that’s impacted me directly,” said Fox. “This organization and event are big reasons as to why I survived my stroke and why I made such a quick recovery.”
In 2014, Fox entered an important season in his hockey career.
With his sights set on the Ontario Hockey League, he worked hard to make the Southern Tier Admirals’ minor midget triple-A team.
“I got involved with hockey when I was three years old and learned to skate,” said Fox. “My dad was an organizer for my local tyke program. My parents put my older brother in hockey first, and naturally I followed in his footsteps to play hockey.”
He was about to begin playing at the level where junior hockey scouts would be tracking and evaluating his development.
Fox was on pace to reach his goals.
During the team’s first practice, Fox suddenly collapsed on the ice.
He was disoriented and unable to speak. The coaching staff recognized the symptoms of a stroke
and immediately called 911.
Fox was rushed to hospital where the doctors discovered that the stroke had been caused by a carotid artery dissection: a separation of the layers of the artery wall supplying oxygen to the head and brain.
When the swelling in his brain did not subside, Fox underwent surgery to remove a portion of his skull to relieve the pressure.
“To me, what stands out about that day was how excited I was to start practising with my team for the first time that year,” said Fox.
“I still remember suffering the stroke.
“First, I had a sudden, huge migraine and then I remember collapsing on the ice because I couldn’t stand properly.”
Fox’s recovery included an intense schedule of physical and occupational therapy.
Now, he’s able to walk without assistance.
“I realize now how lucky I was to survive this stroke,” he said. “And I’m grateful my coach knew to call 911.”
He’s now a champion for the Heart & Stroke Foundation and he’s eager to take part in the Ride for Heart, which raises money for critical life-saving research.
The event shuts down a portion of the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway in Toronto for more than 13,000 cyclists and 5,000 runners and walkers.
There’s three cycle routes of 25 kilometres, 50 km and 75 km, a 10-km running course and a 5-km run/walk route.
To date, the ride has raised $64.5 million. This year’s fundraising goal is $6 million.
“I think about all of the people who are encouraging me and wanting me to succeed in my rehab,” said Fox.
“I also think that it is important for people to see what can be accomplished when you set your mind to something and beat the odds to keep doing better than expected.”