Ben Abercrombie’s life took a dramatic turn during his first football game at Harvard in 2017. A spinal-cord injury left him paralyzed, but over the next eight years, Ben’s determination, hard work, and a strong support system helped him navigate a challenging journey.
Now, he is preparing to graduate from Harvard College with a degree in economics, proving that no obstacle is too great when you’re driven by passion and resilience.
The Life-Altering Injury
Ben’s promising football career took a sudden and unexpected detour during his freshman year at Harvard. In a game against the University of Rhode Island, a routine tackle left him with a devastating spinal-cord injury that paralyzed him from the neck down.
Despite the life-altering injury, Ben remained conscious long enough to realize something was wrong. His coach, Tim Murphy, was standing nearby when the accident occurred, and he recalls the moment vividly.
After the injury, Ben spent several weeks at Providence Hospital and then months at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, specializing in spinal cord injuries. There, Ben and his family worked hard to adjust to the new reality of life with paralysis.
This included learning to control a computer with his eyes, a skill that would help him continue his education.
Returning to Harvard and Overcoming Challenges
Determined to continue his education, Ben returned to Harvard in 2019, enrolling in a summer course at Harvard Extension School. He settled back on campus with the help of his parents, who became his full-time caregivers.
With their support, Ben navigated the challenges of being a student with a disability, including the physical difficulties of moving around campus and attending classes.
Ben’s life was very different from his peers, but he remained focused on his studies and his love for football. He used assistive technology to complete his coursework and increased his workload over time, eventually taking three classes per semester.
His drive to succeed, despite the physical challenges, inspired those around him, including his former football coach, who marveled at his resilience.
The Support of Family, Friends, and Harvard
Throughout this journey, Ben’s family and the Harvard community provided invaluable support. His parents moved to campus to assist him, and they worked closely with health aides to ensure Ben could attend his classes and maintain his independence.
The Harvard Varsity Club and other groups held fundraising events to help with the costs of his care, showing the generosity and support of the Harvard community.
Ben’s recovery wasn’t limited to academics. He also worked hard in physical therapy, using advanced equipment like a Locomat, a robot-assisted device that helps him move.
Though progress was slow, Ben began to regain slight movement in his fingers and experienced small improvements in his overall condition. He also used electric stimulation to help with breathing and maintain flexibility in his muscles.
Looking to the Future
As Ben prepares for his Harvard graduation, he reflects on the incredible journey that brought him to this moment. Though he feels ready to move on to the next phase of life, he looks forward to participating in Harvard’s centuries-old Commencement traditions.
After graduation, Ben plans to work in personal finance, combining his love for sports and economics. His dream is to help professional athletes manage their personal wealth, and he is excited to start this new chapter in his life.
Ben’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of community support. While the road has been long and difficult, he remains optimistic about the future and grateful for the lessons he has learned along the way.
Ben Abercrombie’s story is an inspiring reminder that setbacks don’t define us. It’s the way we respond to challenges that shapes our future.
Despite a life-changing injury, Ben has not only completed his education at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, but he has also become an inspiration to everyone around him.
His story shows the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and never giving up on your dreams.
