Ben Breedlove facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Breedlove
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Breedlove at home during Fourth of July 2010
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| Born |
Benjamin Daniel Breedlove
August 8, 1993 Austin, Texas, U.S.
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| Died | December 25, 2011 (aged 18) Austin, Texas, U.S.
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| Cause of death | Cardiac arrest |
| Alma mater | Westlake High School |
| Occupation | Internet personality |
| Years active | 2009–2011 |
| Known for | "This Is My Story", When Will The Heaven Begin? This is Ben Breedlove's Story |
Benjamin Daniel Breedlove (born August 8, 1993 – died December 25, 2011) was a popular American Internet personality. He was from Austin, Texas. Ben was well-known for his video blogs (vlogs) on YouTube. Sadly, he passed away on Christmas Day 2011, at the age of 18. His death was due to problems from a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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Ben's Life and YouTube Journey
Ben Breedlove grew up in Austin, Texas. He was a senior at Westlake High School. Ben lived with his parents, his older sister Ally, and his younger brother Jake.
In 2010, Ben started making videos for YouTube. In these videos, he often gave advice to other young people about relationships. He was very open and helpful.
Ben created a YouTube channel called OurAdvice4You in November 2010. He worked on this channel with his friends, Justin Miller and Megan Parken. Later, on May 23, 2011, he started his own channel called BreedloveTV. On this channel, he would answer questions about dating and other life advice.
From a young age, Ben had a serious heart condition. It was called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This condition makes the heart muscle very thick, which can make it hard for the heart to pump blood.
His Powerful Video: "This Is My Story"
On December 18, 2011, Ben shared a special two-part video on YouTube. It was called "This is my story." In this video, Ben bravely talked about his heart condition. He also shared how it affected his life. He used note cards to tell his story.
Ben also spoke about three times when he almost died. One of these times was on May 5, 2009. He had surgery to put in a pacemaker. A pacemaker is a small device that helps keep the heart beating at a regular rhythm. In his video, he showed the scar on his chest where the pacemaker was placed.
Ben's Passing
Ben Breedlove died on the evening of Christmas Day, 2011. He passed away because his heart stopped, which is called cardiac arrest.
After Ben's Death
News and Tributes
News of Ben's death spread quickly around the world. Just two days after he passed, his story was shared by news outlets everywhere. Major news channels and newspapers reported on his inspiring life.
On December 29, Ben's funeral was held in Austin, Texas. Over 1,400 people attended the service. Another 11,000 people watched it online. He was buried at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.
The famous musician Kid Cudi was very moved by Ben's story. Kid Cudi said that Ben's video deeply touched his heart. Later, Kid Cudi dedicated his album Indicud (released in 2013) to Ben. He also dedicated it to all his fans who had passed away.
Helping Others with HCM
On January 5, 2012, the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) shared their sadness about Ben's death. They encouraged others with HCM to share their own stories, just like Ben did.
The HCMA's CEO, Lisa Salberg, worked with Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. They helped create a bill called the HEARTS Act. This bill aimed to help educate people about heart conditions like HCM in schools.
Westlake High School, where Ben went, also honored him. During a football game on September 21, 2012, they collected donations for the HCMA. Fans wore white to show their support. The money helped educate people about the disease that took Ben's life.
Supporting Africa New Life Ministries
On December 27, 2011, a special fund was created in Ben's memory. It was called the Ben Breedlove Memorial Fund. This fund helps Africa New Life Ministries. This organization helps boys in Rwanda by providing clothes, food, and education. It also teaches them about their faith.
Tournament of Roses Parade 2013
On January 1, 2013, Ben Breedlove was honored in the famous Tournament of Roses Parade. His image was part of a special flower design on the Donate Life float. This design, called a florograph, was made by his family and friends. It used natural materials like seeds and flower petals.
The Book: When Will The Heaven Begin?
On October 29, 2013, a book about Ben's life was released. It was called When Will The Heaven Begin? The book became a New York Times Best Seller. Ben's sister, Ally Breedlove, wrote the book with Ken Abraham.
The book's title comes from a lyric in the song "Mr. Rager" by Kid Cudi. Ben had said that during one of his heart incidents, he had a vision. He saw himself in a peaceful, white room. His favorite rapper, Kid Cudi, appeared next to him. The lyrics to "Mr. Rager" began playing.
TV Special: To Heaven and Back
On December 1, 2013, CNN aired a special TV show hosted by Anderson Cooper. It was called To Heaven and Back. This show featured stories of people who had near-death experiences. Ben Breedlove's story was one of the main ones highlighted.
Other Books and Music
Ben's life story has been shared in several other books. These include "Imagine Heaven" by John Burke and "Soul Models" by Elizabeth Bryan and Angela Daffron.
His story has also inspired music. Besides Kid Cudi's album dedication, the group Empire has a song called "Journey Kid" inspired by Ben. An Australian composer, Phillip Wilcher, wrote a piece called "Remembered upon Waking." David LaCroix also wrote a song, "In A Little While," dedicated to Ben.
Art Installation: "Gabriel"
Ben's memory lives on through art. A sculpture called "Gabriel" was placed in the Healing Garden at Dell Children's Medical Center. It is a rugged angel wing made of stone. "Gabriel" represents the strength and comfort of angels. It reminds people to "see" the unseen help around them.
The "Spread Your Wings" Program
The "Spread Your Wings" Community Arts Program started at Dell Children's Medical Center. An art piece called "Spread Your Wings" helped raise a lot of money for the hospital. This piece is a painting of angel wings on canvas. The artist, Elizabeth-Bryan Jacobs, was inspired by Ben's YouTube video. Ben had talked about being visited and comforted by angels.
This painting now hangs in the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease. The "Spread Your Wings" program aims to add similar angel wing art installations to hospitals and community centers across the country.
The first official "Spread Your Wings" installation happened on October 1, 2018. It was placed at the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden. This garden honors the victims of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. The artwork, called "Love and Courage," is a tall sculpture engraved with the initials of the 58 victims.
