Holiday Miracle: Benjamin Pileski Fit for Full Duty with Navy After Being Struck by Taxi in Montauk

It was the miracle an entire North Fork community had been praying for.

This holiday season, Benjamin Pileski, 20, the young Mattituck man who was critically injured on July 4 weekend after being struck by a taxi in Montauk, was deemed able to resume his full range of duties and service with the Navy.

Pileski has made an amazing recovery as family, friends, the community, Navy colleagues and even complete strangers prayed furiously for him, sending letters and words of support from across the country and even the world. A Facebook Page, “Ben’s Corner,” has been filled with encouraging messages and loving thoughts.

Benjamin said the past month proved the best so far. “I got the best Christmas gift,” he told Patch. “I am fit for full duty.”

For Benjamin, who suffered a traumatic brain injury after the accident, the road to full recovery has meant an ever-strengthened faith. “The doctors were impressed that I was able to be put back to full duty so fast,” he said. “This is the best Christmas gift because now I can go back to real work and serving.”

Benjamin has been touched beyond measure by the love of a steadfast community who came together to support him, donning Ben’s Corner T-shirts and bracelets, and turning out for a yard sale fundraiser organized by Kait’s Angels, a group formed to perform good works in memory of Kait Doorhy, 20, of Mattituck, who lost her life in a tragic while away at college in 2014.

And now, Benjamin has a message for his supporters: “I would say ‘thank you’ and ask if there is anyone in their thoughts I could support and pray for. This experience has made me more determined to find out what God has planned for me. I have always been a person to attend church but now I pray every night.”

While he has no specific New Year’s resolution, Benjamin pledges to remain true to his hallmark determination, outgoing personality, and beloved smile.

His mother, Gwen DeFriest, said she is overjoyed by her son’s complete recovery, the greatest gift a parent can ever receive: “I’m just grateful that 2015 ended on a positive note and that Ben has recovered as well as he has. I am extremely happy that my relationship with him is as strong as it is. I believe that 2016 will be a year of opportunity for Ben and I look forward to seeing his continued journey into adulthood,” she said.

Photos courtesy of Benjamin Pileski’s family.