New Canaan woman helps young dialysis patient in need of kidney transplant

Jen Benson – who runs a New Canaan-based nonprofit called Transplant Journey -- is assisting 21-year-old Destene Savariau in her fight.

News 12 Staff

•

Jul 2, 2022, 4:45 PM

•

Updated 909 days ago

NEWS 12 EXCLUSIVE: ‘He drove into the water.’ Car drives off dock in Patchogue; News 12 crew helps in the rescue

561ds ago

2:34

Guide: Safety tips to help prevent home burglaries

298ds ago

2:19

Guide: Safety measures to help prevent fires and how to escape one

446ds ago

2:40

Mayor's budget cuts: A controversial solution amidst immigration crisis

464ds ago

2:07

Tips on how to avoid confrontation with sharks while swimming in the ocean

530ds ago

2:33

5 tips to prevent mosquito bites and getting sick from viruses

541ds ago

2:39

NEWS 12 EXCLUSIVE: ‘He drove into the water.’ Car drives off dock in Patchogue; News 12 crew helps in the rescue

561ds ago

A New Canaan woman is stepping up to help a young woman who urgently needs a kidney transplant.

Jen Benson – who runs a New Canaan-based nonprofit called Transplant Journey -- is assisting 21-year-old Destene Savariau in her fight.

"I recently met Destene through an introduction from Frank Recchia and my heart went out to her," Benson told News 12. "I can completely relate to what she's going through. I myself personally spent seven years on dialysis."

Savariau, of Bridgeport, has been on dialysis for the past four years. She was gifted a kidney from a Superstorm Sandy victim, but that one failed after seven years and had to be taken out due to infection.

"I get calls for transplants and I get hopeful, and they fall through and it is kind of disheartening because it's already hard enough," she added.

Savariau is planning to attend Southern Connecticut State University in the fall to study journalism and is hoping for a transplant before the semester starts.

READ: "My Body is Failing Me" - By Destene Savariau

MORE: Transplant Journey