Ben Breedlove: Dying Teen Leaves Touching YouTube Video
A Texas teen with a life-threatening heart condition told his life’s story in a video posted on YouTube just days before his death.
Ben Breedlove, 18, died on Christmas day, but not before leaving one more video for his more than 60,000 followers on YouTube, according to KXAN News in Austin.
Breedlove had been using several YouTube channels to talk about the effects of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thick that makes it harder for blood to leave the heart.
Using notecards to tell his story, Ben talks about his condition and how it impacted his life without ever saying a word.
“The first time I cheated death was when I was 4,” one card explains. “I had a life-threatening seizure, scary right?
Breedlove describes his last near-death experience, which happened on December 6th. The Austin-area teen fainted at school and by the time paramedics arrived, he had no pulse and no respiration.
As first responders worked to bring him back, Breedlove reports experiencing a white room without walls where he was met by his favorite rapper, Kid Cudi.
“It was the best feeling,” the teen wrote, in the video posted on December 18. “I didn’t want to leave that place.”
Breedlove’s final video message, which is split into two videos, has been viewed by nearly a million people.
The 18-year-old signs off by saying, “Do you believe in Angels or God?”
“I do,” he wrote.
Following Ben’s death, rapper Kid Cudi – just one of the many who have been touched by Breedlove’s story – released an emotional statement through his Tumblr page which said:
“I am so sad about Ben Breedlove. I watched the video he left for the world to see, and him seeing me in detail, in his vision really warmed my heart. I broke down, I am to tears because I hate how life is so unfair.
Cudi continued his post writing, “This has really touched my heart in a way I cant describe,” responded Cudi at his site. “This is why I do what I do. Why I write my life, and why I love you all so much. Life is really f—ed up sometimes, but I know Ben is at Peace, and I hope he gets a chance to sit and talk with my Dad. We love you Ben. Forever. Thank you for loving me. To Ben’s family, you raised a real hero, he’s definitely mine. You have my love.”
Watch Ben Breedlove’s touching YouTube videos below:
This is my story (Part 1)
This is my story (Part 2)
via SF Chronicle
Tags : Ben Breedlove, Ben Breedlove death, Ben Breedlove kid cudi, Ben Breedlove youtube video, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, youtube video
Posted: December 29, 2011
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Dec 29, 2011
This is exactly like that video by the boy who was being bullied and afraid to start the 8th grade… Let's at least try to be original.
Dec 29, 2011
wow.
Dec 29, 2011
But I am sad that he passed. Poor kid.
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey, what is wrong with that? The kid died. Apparently he isnt the only one that could have used a heart transplant. Merry christmas to you and i hope no one in your family needs anything like this…
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey, what is wrong with that? The kid died. Apparently he isnt the only one that could have used a heart transplant. Merry christmas to you and i hope no one in your family needs anything like this…
Dec 29, 2011
Colleen T Driscoll Yeah I guess you're right, but I would have rather heard his voice then saw him steal something from another kid. I feel sorry for him… sucks he died, but lets not steal other people's video's.
Dec 29, 2011
Well he can't be original any more now can he? He's dead. And it is a very sad thing that this 18 year-old young man had his life cut so short. My heart goes out to his family at the loss of their son on Christmas day.
Dec 29, 2011
Well he can't be original any more now can he? He's dead. And it is a very sad thing that this 18 year-old young man had his life cut so short. My heart goes out to his family at the loss of their son on Christmas day.
Dec 29, 2011
The young man lost his life…the least you could do is appreciate what he did, the stories he told, his life experiences…instead of bashing the way he did it. Who cares how he did it? You say that he "stole" the way he did these videos from someone else, but, if he used his voice…who would you claimed he "stole" that idea from? God bless him and his family and friends. I am so glad he is at peace.
Dec 29, 2011
The young man lost his life…the least you could do is appreciate what he did, the stories he told, his life experiences…instead of bashing the way he did it. Who cares how he did it? You say that he "stole" the way he did these videos from someone else, but, if he used his voice…who would you claimed he "stole" that idea from? God bless him and his family and friends. I am so glad he is at peace.
Dec 29, 2011
Melissa Cebula-Dyer Yeah it's sad I feel really bad for his mom. She must be heart broken.
Dec 29, 2011
Melissa Cebula-Dyer Yeah it's sad I feel really bad for his mom. She must be heart broken.
Dec 29, 2011
Steal who gives a crap, I'm sure he really doesn't care about that, he did get his message out and that is what it was all about. So Lindsey if you die from heart problems does that mean you copied him. Sorry but that just got under my skin. He died doing what he wanted and if that was copying then so be it. Have a very Happy New Year, and please think before you write something like that.
Dec 29, 2011
Steal who gives a crap, I'm sure he really doesn't care about that, he did get his message out and that is what it was all about. So Lindsey if you die from heart problems does that mean you copied him. Sorry but that just got under my skin. He died doing what he wanted and if that was copying then so be it. Have a very Happy New Year, and please think before you write something like that.
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey Rumfola maybe he couldn't talk? God Bless his family and friends in this difficult time. May peace be brought into their lives knowing that this WONDERFUL person is now without pain.
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey Rumfola maybe he couldn't talk? God Bless his family and friends in this difficult time. May peace be brought into their lives knowing that this WONDERFUL person is now without pain.
Dec 29, 2011
Alexandra Ann Montoya-Hankey And I'm not bashing anyone. I'm stating a fact… grow up.
Dec 29, 2011
Alexandra Ann Montoya-Hankey And I'm not bashing anyone. I'm stating a fact… grow up.
Dec 29, 2011
Denise Solgat Dickerson No dying from a heart problem is not what I'm talking about… the music and the flash cards are exactly like this other boy who did this because he was being bullied that's all I'm saying. Calm down. The kid passed away, it happens every single day. Reality check. Give me a break.
Dec 29, 2011
Denise Solgat Dickerson No dying from a heart problem is not what I'm talking about… the music and the flash cards are exactly like this other boy who did this because he was being bullied that's all I'm saying. Calm down. The kid passed away, it happens every single day. Reality check. Give me a break.
Dec 29, 2011
wow, is a meysing to feel peace.before to meet god.''.
Dec 29, 2011
If you want to get technical, there are many "note card videos" on YouTube. So there is nothing "original" about anything out there. Maybe he couldn't speak or maybe he had speech problems due to his illness. Or just maybe, speaking out loud would have been too difficult and painful to recap, and so as not to distract from what he was trying to do by crying or becoming emotional, he kept it simple and to the point. However, the focus shouldn't be on the video itself. This handsome young man had a heart condition that ripped him from his mother's arms. Lindsey, looking at your picture with 2 young girls, should have more compassion and empathy towards this family. Hold your girls tight and give them extra love tonight and thank God that it isn't you having to bury your child in the coming year. And I will do the same with mine.
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey Rumfola I believe you need to grow up. God be with you. God rest his soul and God be with his family.
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey Rumfola I believe you need to grow up. God be with you. God rest his soul and God be with his family.
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey Rumfola I am 22 and I have a heart condition as well. I have experienced some of the same things. Sometimes writing things down is easier and has more of an impact. I feel sorry for you Lindsey because everyone here is just trying to respect this young man and the life he lived. Near death experiences change a person…make them "grow up". I would not wish what I, Ben, and many other people have gone through on you…but I do wish for you to grow by listening to Ben and all the above people who have commented. Now instead of doing what you have and making this about me, I am going to let Ben RIP and his memory live.
Thank you Ben for living your life to the fullest and giving the rest of us hope
Dec 29, 2011
Alexandra Ann Montoya-Hankey You said it well, May he rip and prayers to you. Happy New Year.
Dec 29, 2011
oh shut up!
Dec 29, 2011
oh shut up!
Dec 29, 2011
JUST SHUT UP HEARTLESS BEEYAHCH.
Dec 29, 2011
seriously… not really a fact that needed to be stated. it was petty, inconsiderate and cold.
It's so heartbreaking for his family and the people around him, I'm sure, and you're just going to crap on his unoriginality? Poor choice.
My heart goes out to the people who loved him.
Dec 29, 2011
seriously… not really a fact that needed to be stated. it was petty, inconsiderate and cold.
It's so heartbreaking for his family and the people around him, I'm sure, and you're just going to crap on his unoriginality? Poor choice.
My heart goes out to the people who loved him.
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey RumfolaYOU NEED TO SHUT UP TROLL
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey RumfolaYOU NEED TO SHUT UP TROLL
Dec 29, 2011
OMG people! Kids die every single day. You are all flipping out over a stupid video explaining his close to death experiences. Be thankful that it wasn't your kid and get the f*** over it. Y'all are dumb.
Dec 29, 2011
you're an idiot.
Dec 29, 2011
you're an idiot.
Dec 29, 2011
Lindsey, you say that he should be more original… That he stole that idea from another kid. You're telling people to grow up…. The fact of the matter is this: You need to grow up…. You need to quit accusing people of stealing ideas from some other kid. And you need to know that this kid sure as hell did NOT put this on here for you to critique his video. He wanted to get his story out and decided this was the best way to do it. As far as I'm concerned, he did just that. It's a shame that people like you can add your two cents worth because the way that it sounds, you can't spare it. Unbelievable… You say he needs to be more original? How about you? There are plenty of jerks in this world… Why must you be an imitator? You can post whatever you want about me. Because to be quite honest, I don't give a damn. I just had to respond to your stupidity. Before you decide to post some stupid remark about a dying young man or woman's video, have the sense to take the time to think about what you're going to say and who it will affect.
Dec 29, 2011
Someone's a little bitter huh? Who cares if he stole someone eles's idea people use other people's ideas all the time. Just like you are borrowing being a jack ass…. it's old and people have already played that game over and over. Why don't you do something original Lindsay… Just sayin.
Dec 29, 2011
Someone's a little bitter huh? Who cares if he stole someone eles's idea people use other people's ideas all the time. Just like you are borrowing being a jack ass…. it's old and people have already played that game over and over. Why don't you do something original Lindsay… Just sayin.
Dec 29, 2011
The fact that you are showing any sort of discontent over the use of another kid's method of showing himself is disgusting. Almost as disgusting as your appearance. Your poor children.
Dec 29, 2011
The fact that you are showing any sort of discontent over the use of another kid's method of showing himself is disgusting. Almost as disgusting as your appearance. Your poor children.
Dec 29, 2011
Who cares if he used someone's idea, what is the big deal? He just wanted to tell his story. People use other people's ideas all the time just like you are using being a jack ass. Seriously get a life, we all know kids die everyday and i am sure all of us are thankful it wasn't our child. Why the hell are you on here making ridiculous statements about someone else's dead child? Get a life… Just sayin'
Dec 29, 2011
Wow Lindsey Rumfola .. You must not be a mother and i see you have child. in your pics … This bye far was of the most touching videos I have seen .. You will maybe understand , when you become a mother .. Hope to god you have a health childrean. From a mother who has a very sick child. that can not talk and will die someday I find this very converting that when her time is up that that it will be peaceful for her ..
Dec 29, 2011
Wow Lindsey Rumfola .. You must not be a mother and i see you have child. in your pics … This bye far was of the most touching videos I have seen .. You will maybe understand , when you become a mother .. Hope to god you have a health childrean. From a mother who has a very sick child. that can not talk and will die someday I find this very converting that when her time is up that that it will be peaceful for her ..
Dec 29, 2011
rip ben breedlove..im soo sorry there are people in the world that want to leave these negative comments..may god have mercy on them..your story has touched many hearts my heart and prayers go out to your family..im glad you are at peace now<3.
Dec 29, 2011
Actually, you are the idiot. You're one of those people in life who state completely ridiculous sentiments that are irrelevant to the situation just so you can stand out and look original– although that indeed makes you the unoriginal one. Who calls a young boy who just died, unoriginal. Seriously? Who does that. You look like a welfare mom anyways– all pride and no substance. God– you are completely rupulsive. And your little mutants– even more repulsive.
Dec 29, 2011
Hope to god you have health children .. I found this video very converting ….
Dec 29, 2011
Hope to god you have health children .. I found this video very converting ….
Dec 29, 2011
He was too young, had a beautiful smile and this was his way of sharing his life. I don't think how he shared it with us matters. He had exceptional courage. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Dec 29, 2011
God forbid one of your beautiful children die… Would you have that same attitude? I would certainly hope not. Yes people do die everyday but that doesn't make their life any less special.
Dec 29, 2011
God forbid one of your beautiful children die… Would you have that same attitude? I would certainly hope not. Yes people do die everyday but that doesn't make their life any less special.
Dec 29, 2011
Yes, children do die every day. However, your original comment was not about his death. It was about the videos that he made prior to his death, therefore attempting to negate what he spent his entire life fighting and his artist expression. Basically, your comment was crass and inappropriate under the circumstances. If you can't see or acknowledge that, well, I don't know what to tell you.
Dec 29, 2011
Yes, children do die every day. However, your original comment was not about his death. It was about the videos that he made prior to his death, therefore attempting to negate what he spent his entire life fighting and his artist expression. Basically, your comment was crass and inappropriate under the circumstances. If you can't see or acknowledge that, well, I don't know what to tell you.
Dec 29, 2011
Derrik Nasca Amen!! People like her make my heart hurt for the future of this world.
Dec 29, 2011
Derrik Nasca Amen!! People like her make my heart hurt for the future of this world.
Dec 29, 2011
Oh and just so your aware Lindsey Rumfola….He didn't' steal any ideas from anyone he totally gave props to the kid that did this first…..This is from his YouTube site……"Kieran Miles inspired me to do this, Just thought I should share my story to the rest of the world" So maybe you should think, and see what's what before putting idiotic comments on here for the rest of the world to see.
Dec 29, 2011
I could not get the video from the middle to the end. But my heart goes out to the family and Rip Ben, You are a beautiful Angel now, Please tell my sister Rochelle and my mom hello for me and I miss them so much. We will see you all soon.
Dec 30, 2011
Lindsey Rumfola please do something useful with your time, like learning to be a better person. Maybe you will be blessed one day with a heart and a heart of a true mother. Because if you had a heart of a mother you would not speak this way.
Dec 30, 2011
Lindsey Rumfola please do something useful with your time, like learning to be a better person. Maybe you will be blessed one day with a heart and a heart of a true mother. Because if you had a heart of a mother you would not speak this way.
Dec 30, 2011
What a strong young man! Thanks to you those who have lost faith may have something to hold onto with those words you shared. I believe you! More people need to have faith in this world and not pass judgment on others without even knowing them! Wish I could have met you IRL.. maybe in the next! Much love to his family and working threw this hard time, Ben was and always will be a blessing! Sweet Dreams Friend.
Dec 30, 2011
What a strong young man! Thanks to you those who have lost faith may have something to hold onto with those words you shared. I believe you! More people need to have faith in this world and not pass judgment on others without even knowing them! Wish I could have met you IRL.. maybe in the next! Much love to his family and working threw this hard time, Ben was and always will be a blessing! Sweet Dreams Friend.
Dec 30, 2011
Lindsey Rumfola its not about stealing. get over yourself. The poor young man is gone…Whats your [problem that you cant see it for what it actually is?
Dec 30, 2011
Lindsey Rumfola its not about stealing. get over yourself. The poor young man is gone…Whats your [problem that you cant see it for what it actually is?
Dec 30, 2011
Rip may god bless your family.
Dec 30, 2011
Rip may god bless your family.