Meet the 2010 Best Dad on Wheels Winner

Ben and Isabel Hayes. (Photo by Stacy Damon Photography)

Ben Hayes, age 32 of Auburn, Maine, is the winner of the Reeve Foundation's 2010 Best Dad on Wheels contest.

In a close competition where almost 8,000 people voted, Ben received the most votes from our community members like you to become this year's winner.

Ben embodies the spirit and courage of the Best Dad on Wheels. Though he suffered a C4/C5 injury in December of 2007 when his daughter Isabel was just four months old, he doesn't let it stop him from being a terrific father.

"The ability to keep everything in perspective is the key," says Ben. "Keep pushing and never let it stop you."

Like dads everywhere, Ben shares meals with his daughter, plays games, transports her about, and tells her bedtime stories. His wheelchair doesn't stop him from loving and guiding her as she grows up. "Never stop looking for the different ways to connect," shares Ben.

Ben and our other terrific nominees show that while paralysis limits the body, it doesn’t limit the heart and mind's capacity to parent.

One year into his job at Hannaford Brothers, a supermarket chain in the Eastern United States, Ben was injured. Three years post-injury, he is still there working as an investment analyst.

Ben wins bragging rights as this year's Best Dad on Wheels and a $500 gift package generously donated by the Vineyard Vines.

Here is Ben's winning entry, submitted by is wife Erin, and the entries of the other top 10 finalist:

	Winner Benjamin Hayes View entry.
Brian Cornell View entry.	Michael Hoffman View entry.	Michael Porter View entry.
Floyd Crawford View entry.	Ronnie McDaniel View entry.	Rodney Maley View entry.
Ron Gulick View entry.	Aaron Warren View entry.	Joe White View entry.