by Lauren Smith Ford in Tribeza
published January 25, 2012
By Day: Founders of the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation
How They Met
Charlotte says: We met while we were living in Paris. Craig was working for a company based out of Houston, and I had started a business exporting antiques back to the States. We met among a group of friends. Americans have a way of finding each other when they live abroad, and particularly since we are both from the South. Craig likes to say that I was the only other one who understood his French!
Their Perfect Date
Charlotte says: Craig and I have a standing babysitter every Thursday night. Because of our busy schedules, finding a way to relax and reconnect is our top priority. As a result, our favorite date is often very casual. We love to take a walk around Lady Bird Lake, which gives us a chance to enjoy being outdoors while catching up with each other. Then, Mecca Gym and Spa is our favorite spot for the occasional massage. Afterward, we’ll walk across the street to Whole Foods and pull up a chair at the fish bar.
Off the Clock
Charlotte says: Our usual standbys are Perla’s, Uchiko and 34 Street Cafe.
Why It Works
Charlotte says: We have a shared faith, we have a shared life purpose (with our work at Beyond Batten Disease Foundation), we respect each other and we forgive each other.
Keeping Love Alive
Charlotte says: We spend regular time together — alone. We have a date night every week and take quarterly weekends away.
Beyond Batten Disease Foundation
Craig and Charlotte Benson started the foundation a few months after receiving the news of their daughter’s diagnosis of Batten disease. They had never heard of the disease before, but they quickly learned that it causes blindness, seizures, mental and physical incapacity and is fatal by late teens or early 20’s. There is no treatment. There is no cure. “Our daughter, Christiane (age nine), is the inspiration for the foundation, and our community has surrounded and supported us with incredible talent and resources,” Charlotte says. “The overwhelming participation from our community has enabled us to make tremendous progress. Austin can definitely take co-ownership in all that’s been accomplished!” Through the Bensons’ goal of eradicating the disease (and hundreds of other rare genetic diseases) with a screening test the foundation has developed, Charlotte says they have “found our life’s purpose.” Beyond Batten’s next fundraising event will be held on February 10 at ACL Live, featuring a performance by country star Keith Urban. For more information and tickets, visit beyondbatten.org/date-night.html.
http://www.tribeza.com/magazine_content/date-night-craig-charlotte-benson