Charles Benson has spent his life helping others, and being a true light in the world. He needs a lifesaving kidney transplant (sign up to help here) & also needs help with the overwhelming medical bills accumulating. Let’s rally behind the Bensons & do all we can to help them through this time. A recent email from Charles is below:

Dear Friends & Family,

Most of you now know I need a life-saving kidney transplant. I am joining the transplant list and waiting for a donor. Despite great blood pressure numbers and more weight loss, my most recent lab results revealed a significant decline in kidney function over the past month. My medical team at Cornell and I were hoping to avoid emergency dialysis.

My previous request may not have conveyed the urgency of my situation, but I am now experiencing signs and symptoms of my system not functioning properly, and the doctors say this is a common trajectory. I really need your support, prayers, and, if possible, a kidney. Emoji

Please, where appropriate, share my story. I am 54, married, and a devoted father of five beautiful children 3 grandchildren. I have 3 living loving sisters and lost all 4 of my brothers 3 of them to health factors. I've dedicated my life to helping others, with 27 years and counting spent at Jewish Board assisting marginalized adults living with mental health challenges. In the past 10 years, my wife, children, and I have focused on giving back to the community by impacting and empowering youth through travel and exposure with our non profit TRAVELWITHCHAZ.

My story is no greater or lesser than the millions waiting for various organ donors, and this experience has humbled me deeply. I am thankful for all God has given me, including this challenge. I ask for your emotional, physical, and financial support, as well as healthy meals/drinks, and prayers, because my story is not over, I want to live.