American Kidney Fund Announces C. Alan Bennett, 'Chef Benne' as 2024 Hero of Hope

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Oct. 1, 2024) – The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is delighted to announce that Washington, DC-native C. Alan Bennett, also known as "C. Alan" and "Chef Benne," has been named AKF's 2024 Hero of Hope. Established in 2010, the Hero of Hope Award is one of the highest honors given to a kidney patient in the United States, given annually to someone who is making a profound impact in their community despite the challenges of living with kidney failure.

"Chet truly fits the description of our Hero of Hope," said AKF President and CEO LaVarne A. Burton. "He has devoted his life to helping others with kidney disease and raising awareness about the disease, and we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize him and shine a spotlight on his wonderful work for the kidney community." 

Bennett will be presented the 2024 Hero of Hope Award at AKF's annual national gala, The Hope Affair, in Washington, DC on Oct. 8.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Bennett was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2018 when he crashed into dialysis — having no prior symptoms of kidney disease. After a year of dialysis, he turned to social media for help finding a kidney donor for a transplant. Eventually, a former cosmetology student that he had mentored told him she was a match to donate a kidney to him. He is now five years post-transplant.

A successful entrepreneur, radio host, chef, licensed cosmetology instructor and hairstylist, Bennett established the C. Alan Foundation after his kidney transplant. The Foundation raises awareness and funds to help people with kidney disease by offering counseling, nutrition, toiletries, education, housing, transportation and support. He also founded The Kidney Kafe' to help people with kidney disease and diabetes stay healthy through delicious recipes and daily lifestyle maintenance, and in 2021 he established the Kidney Kafe' Garden, where he cooks healthy meals for people in need.

"Sadly, my story of crashing into kidney failure is not unique," Bennett said. "Until this is no longer the case, I will keep working to educate my local community about kidney disease, nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve our health. I am deeply committed to making a change in this space, and the American Kidney Fund's honor has given me further validation to help more people and help change lives." 

Remembering the sense of shame, confusion and isolation he felt surrounding his own kidney disease diagnosis, Bennett also started a YouTube show called Kidney Conversations. The show gives people a chance to share their own kidney disease stories, discuss the nuances of kidney disease and increase their knowledge and awareness of kidney-related issues.

Bennett is the founder and owner of C. Alan Salons, as well as the award-winning Bennett Career Institute, a cosmetology and barber school in Washington, D.C., and the Bennett Babies Child Development Center. He is also the host for the C. Alan Morning Show, and since 1998, he has worked at the DC Department of Corrections, where he teaches cosmetology and barbering to inmates. 

"From fundraisers, outreach programs and establishing a nutrition program and food service system called the Kidney Kafe', Chet has done it all," said Bennett's friend Vaughn Reynolds, who nominated him for the award. "I sought him out for help, counseling and support in [my] kidney journey. This man has been nothing short of a God-sent miracle in my life. He is truly a mentor, friend and kidney warrior."