Textured Food Innovations
It is with heartfelt feelings that we dedicate this page to Don Benfell.
Don has been our dear friend, mentor and supporter. He has been our advisor and the bridge that has brought Textured Concept Foods and Textured Food Innovations together. Don was the rock that we knew would provide guidance and advice and a pat on the back. He was strong minded and strong willed yet with a heart of gold.
Ironically, Don was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease also known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in January 2024. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is fatal. There is no cure at this time. Although, we could not save Don from a dreadful outcome, we were at least able to support him nutritionally and preserve his ability to swallow, communicate and breathe without the use of artificial means for quite some time. His son, Darren Benfell, who is the developer of TCF and TFI products lovingly prepared his special modified meals for his dad while Dr. John Amato wholeheartedly ensured that Don preserved his ability to speak and swallow safely for as long as possible. Don demonstrated such courage during his battle but, this dreadful disease won and Don deservingly earned his angel wings on May 7, 2024.
Don will remain in our hearts everyday and we will continue to work diligently to ensure that our team makes a difference in the lives of individuals living with dysphagia. Fly high with angel wings our dear friend Don Benfell.