Johanna Benthal

Canine Companions for Independence provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities. Here are some of their stories.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas- at least from the 16th floor of NYU Langone Medical Center. I am grateful for the view...

Despite little time to train and no running stroller to use, Eileen Benthal was determined to complete the 5K race with her special-needs teenage daughter.

EIleen Benthal did something she's wanted to do for 40 years: march for life in Washington— with her daughter, Johanna, who says "Every life is a Gift."

It can be very tricky navigating the fine line between supporting my daughter as she struggles through daily life or taking over and doing things for her.

The inspirational story of how a Jamesport woman and her family learned to cope with a child's chronic illness: "The difficulties are overwhelming,” Eileen Benthal says. “They just never stop. 'You have to learn a new way of living.'

On the eve of her 91st brain surgery, Johanna Benthal, age 18, wanted to take a picture showing she was afraid, but strong, standing in the darkness holding a lit candle to signify the hope she carries within.