Today, in Ontario, there are over 1,600 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. This is their only treatment option, and every 3 days someone will die because they did not get their transplant in time.

Cavalier Co-Founder Ray Bendig (Brian Bendig’s Father) was also the recipient of kidney transplant, so this issue has been something near and dear to the Bendig family.   And subsequently the Cavalier staff.

Each year support is given to the Ontario branch of the Kidney Foundation and also to local Windsorite Chad Gibbons who raises money for those post-transplant.

Bendig matriarch Tina Bendig (mom to President Brian Bendig) says she is proud her son, her family and the Cavalier staff support this cause.”

“I do this because I want others to be aware of  how a  transplant changed my life and how it can change so many lives,” says Tina aka “Mom Bendig”.

“If nothing else I hope people will sign their donor card.”

Ray Bendig lived 13 years longer thanks to a kidney transplant.

You have  a new way of seeing things after you go through a transplant,” says Tina.

The Bendigs had a 10 km cycle ride together last September to support the 2020 Kidney Walk.  Cavalier was then given the Award of Merit: Outstanding Partner, from the Ontario Branch of the Kidney Foundation.

 

“The awards recognize volunteers who showcase caring, leadership and philanthropy within their respective communities to benefit those touched by kidney disease” said Susan Tkachuk, Chair of the Ontario Branch Volunteer Recognition Committee. “Each volunteer makes a valuable contribution individually. But it’s their collective efforts that have a powerful impact in the lives of the patients we support. Let’s celebrate the amazing contributions of our 2020 Volunteer Award Winners.”

Cavalier Tool has been a committed contributor to the Windsor Chapter since 2013.” They have supported the Kidney Walk for many years through corporate sponsorship and have also had employees support the effort as donors and team members,.”

This year the Kidney Walk is set for Sept 26 so the Bendig family will be on their bikes to support the walk!.

Along with kidney disease education and awareness, there is also support for those who have needed a kidney transplant.

Chad Gibbons  is a kidney transplant recipient on a mission to  help raise money to help those who need post-surgery transplant support. Cavalier Tool held a bottle and can drive in July resulting in a donation of  approximately  $1,000 to Chad for his donor drive.

 

Beyond the financial support, there is a great need to encourage donor awareness.  So the bottle drive allows us to start conversations about kidney health and transplants.

You can help when you register your consent for organ and tissue donation- you let those waiting know that you would help them if you could. Visit beadonor.ca

As for Chad – in 2012  Chad and his family  started the Chaddy Boom’s Kidney Party to raise funds for London Health Sciences Centre’s Multi-Organ Transplant Program and to raise awareness for Organ Donation.    On  Aug 17th, 2002  he got the call that would change his life:  perfect kidney match and he headed to London for the surgery.

“There have been a few bumps in the road these past 19 years but I am still here and kicking and getting to do really cool things and make memories with my family ,” says Chad in his blog on his donor drive page.  (   https://lhsf.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.personalcampaign&participantid=2037)

Some other stats:

According to Government of Canada stats, as of December 31, 2019, 249 people died waiting for an organ transplant

and over 4,300 people were waiting for organ transplants.

Register and maybe save 8 lives and improve quality of life for up to 75 people!