Magic Moments: After ‘hard journey,’ Lincoln family’s year ends on a good note

RAYMOND, Neb. (KLKN) – The Christmas season is here, and that means Magic Moments is back.

Each year, Union Bank & Trust selects families in Lincoln to surprise with gifts.

On Monday, the Benes family was presented with a moment they won’t forget.

The family’s 8-month-old son, Cruz, was born with cytomegalovirus, the No. 1 cause of birth defects in children.

The virus was passed to him while his mom was early in her pregnancy.

It caused many birth defects.

He and his parents spent a lot of time in the hospital after he was born.

The family’s journey took another turn when the father, Brent, lost his job when it was shipped overseas.

During the Magic Moments event at the Benes house, their 3-year-old son Asher received lots of toy cars, which he loved.

The parents also received many gifts they needed, especially an oxygen concentrator.

“It just really means a lot, and it just makes this year extra special from a very unexpected and hard journey,” said Megan Benes, the mother. “And it’s been just a great way to end the year.”

The Beneses have sacrificed so much to care for Cruz that UBT felt they could use some things for themselves, too.

Mary Benes, Cruz’s grandmother and Brent’s mother, nominated the family and was blown away by all they received.

“I was really over overwhelmed. I know they do great things, but I never ever would have expected the kind of generosity that the Magic Moments has presented to them. It’s just incredible and really truly is magical,” she said.