Scan the QR code to learn more about John and living donation or go to nkr.org/DQG329.
Georgine Hurst
As a past advocate of living donors for kidney transplants I’ve published several articles in the Roundup, in SaddleBrooke, and in Oro Valley. As a result, a donor did come forward in 2024 and saved the life of an Oro Valley man, Joe Rivera, who had PKD, polycystic kidney disease. I’ve also connected with several veterans groups to share information about a non-profit called DOVE, Living Kidney Donation for Veterans.
For personal reasons, I have stepped back from this work. Recently I have crossed paths with a man, John Benet, whose situation has compelled me to act now.
John Benet is a retired Tucsonan desperately looking for a kidney donor. His kidney disease is PKD, a familial disease which has taken both his father and brother’s lives. It has reached the point where he needs dialysis five nights a week. The effect of this is that he’s continually fatigued and he is unable to go far from home. These restrictions prevent him from living a normal life doing what he loves to do—gardening, hiking, traveling, and especially exploring photography.
Learn more about John and living donation at nkr.org/DQG329.
Please share this with friends, colleagues, social and religious groups. A donor for John is out there. Please help him find that donor.
Other information that may help you to act in John’s behalf:
* Our own Marnie Binney at SaddleBrooke Ranch donated a kidney to her mother 22 years ago. Her mother has led a full life since then. Marnie says that “she has no regrets and feels that it is an awesome gift of life to donate to someone in need.”
* You may think that you’re too old to consider being a donor yourself, but maybe not. Some programs will consider donor candidates up to 75 years of age.
* Share, Share, Share! You never know. My connection with Rivera was the result of a friend who was a kidney donor receiving a flyer from her friend. The flyer was by Rivera, which he left on cars in a parking lot, including my friend’s friend’s car, which she then forwarded to me.