Joe Beneteau
Meet Joe Beneteau
Joe has a vibrant personality and a true zest for life. Ever charismatic, you always know when he walks in the room.
It’s no secret that Joe also loves country music. He loves to sing along, especially on road trips. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, the song Goin Through Hell by Rodney Atkins was all over the radio.
“If you’re goin’ through hell, keep on going. Don’t slow down. If you’re scared, don’t show it. You might get out before the devil even knows you’re there.” – Goin’ Through Hell Lyrics, Rodney Atkins
This country hit resonated with Joe, and as he navigated his own journey, this song became his anthem to survival. This is his story.
Never Fighting Alone
In August 2006, after finding swollen lymph nodes, Joe Benetau was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. As soon as he began treatment, he met the oncologist he credits with saving his life, Dr. Caroline Hamm.
Joe’s treatment began with four rounds of outpatient chemotherapy at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. Immediately after, he had to endur two incredibly intense rounds of chemotherapy, each requiring a week-long stay at Windsor Regional Hospital – Met Campus.
His aggressive treatment was necessary to prepare Joe for an allogenic stem cell transplant – the kind of transplant that requires a stem cell donor.
Luckily, two of his siblings were perfect matches, and Joe called his brother and informed him that he would play a key role in his recovery by donating his stem cells.
Joe’s transplant was performed in Hamilton. Although he deeply appreciates the care received there, being closer to family and friends would have been a great comfort. Joe spent a significant amount of time alone during his recovery. The financial burden of traveling back and forth for checkups was crippling. Joe and his wife determined it was more feasible to rent an apartment for an entire month than any other short stay options.
Throughout his travels to treatment, and is aftercare trips up the highway, Joe continued to hear the Rodney Atkins hit on the radio. It became the soundtrack to this challenging period. Lyrics like “If you’re going through hell, keep on going, don’t slow down” became a powerful mantra. During difficult days of chemotherapy, the anxieties of waiting for scan results, or the physical challenges of recovery, this line served as a reminder for Joe to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
“No one should have to navigate cancer alone.”
While Joe’s journey was personal, he know the relatable feeling of battling through something immense was a universal human experience. As a community, we have the power to offer vital support and encouragement that can profoundly impact someone’s well-being.
Show Your Support for Joe
Joe Beneteau is one of three 2025 Show Us Your Brave Ambassadors. Alongside Maria Barile and Lisa Shulman, Joe is sharing his story to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients in our community. Your generous support for Joe ensures patients will continue to receive world class cancer care close to home.