Deno Benetton

From peer support to counselling, to fundraising for patient needs/research, and raising public awareness about kidney disease and organ donation, Deno dedicated a great deal of time, energy and passion towards improving the lives of people living with kidney disease. The last 25 years of his life were filled with accomplishments in this field, including national recognition from the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Deno, however, was most proud of the relationship he built with his peers and his ability to make a positive impact on their lives.

Deno was diagnosed with a hereditary form of kidney disease in his late teens. By the time he reached his mid-30s, he was in end-stage renal failure and required dialysis treatment 3 times per week in order to sustain life.

A few years after starting dialysis, Deno was in contact with the Kidney Foundation of Canada and learned they were looking for regions to develop local chapters. He recruited 6 other people and the Trail Chapter was born. Deno was named President and this was a position he held for over 10 years.

Deno spent a great deal of time counselling patients and their families. He was a role model for patients and assisted them on their journey toward acceptance. Fortunately, in May of 1989, Deno was blessed with a successful kidney transplant. He then began another mission which was to increase awareness about organ donation. He was responsible for helping many people achieve a better life through kidney transplants.

In 1991, Deno was awarded an honourary lifetime membership in the Kidney Foundation of Canada as acknowledgement of his extraordinary contribution to the field of kidney disease. He continued to focus on identifying patient needs and acting as an advocate on their behalf. He continued to offer patients and their families emotional support, continually updating his skills by completing the Kidney Foundation’s peer support training program, as well as hospice training. He was instrumental in retaining support services for renal patients and advocating for the community units to alleviate disruption for patients living outside the local area. He also assisted the development of a local support group for patients as well as their families. Deno’s love, passion and commitment to enhance the life of people living with kidney disease was unwavering right up until his sudden passing in June of 2001.