Remembering Benjamin M. Banks Jr. 

April 1, 2007 – November 25, 2017

Benjamin M. Banks Jr. was born on April 1, 2007, and spent his entire life in Chippewa Township, Beaver County. He attended school in the Blackhawk School District and was a vibrant, happy boy who brought light to all who knew him.

Ben faced many challenges—Autism/ADHD, high blood pressure, Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), and Liver Fibrosis—but never let those obstacles define him. On November 2, 2017, Ben suffered a massive brain aneurysm. For 23 courageous days, he fought with all his strength until his body could no longer hold on. He passed away peacefully on November 25, surrounded by the love of his parents—Marie and Ben, and his sister—Grace.

Ben was an extraordinary 10-year-old whose life, though brief, left a powerful and lasting legacy. He lived with joy, enthusiasm, and an unshakable love for life.

He especially loved cars. From the time he was a baby, he was fascinated by them—flipping through car books, magazines, and flyers, and growing his collection of toy cars. He made instant connections with people by asking, “What kind of car do you drive?” His passion grew into a hobby of reviewing toy cars on his YouTube channel, which later developed into something truly special: reviewing real cars for Beaver County Auto's Facebook page. This opportunity was a dream come true for Ben, allowing him to explore brand-new cars, ride in them, and share his excitement with others. He ended each video with his signature catchphrase: "HOLD ON TO YOUR GUTS!”

In the aftermath of Ben’s passing, his family faced unimaginable grief. But in the midst of that sorrow, close friends offered a meaningful way to keep Ben’s spirit alive—starting a scholarship program in his memory through the Jumet Charitable Foundation. That effort grew into something even bigger. Four years later, together with those same friends, Ben’s family launched the Ben Banks Jr. Memorial Foundation. The foundation has grown to include many projects including the scholarship, a PKD medical trial, and Ben’s Toy Bins. And this is just the beginning.

Ben loved to play hard and have fun—and that legacy will always be the heart of everything the foundation accomplishes.

So, in Ben’s words: 

“HOLD ON TO YOUR GUTS!”

Let’s play hard, live joyfully, and remember Lil Ben’s memory with love.