Engineering a More Human Healthcare Experience
The Knezovic Foundation moves beyond theory to deliver tangible change. We operate at the intersection of immediate patient comfort and long-term scientific discovery, building a future where healthcare is both profoundly human and relentlessly innovative.
Our Initiatives
'The Renal Compassion Project'
Healing with Heart: The Story of Benjamin the Kidney Bean
We are transforming paediatric nephrology from the ground up by introducing 'Benjamin the Kidney Bean' a charismatic plushie and storybook character who guides children and their families through the complexities of kidney health with warmth, humour, and understanding.
Benjamin’s journey demystifies medical procedures, explains treatments in a child-friendly way, and empowers children and parents by teaching them the vital signs to look for when their kidneys or bladder need help. From recognising the early symptoms of infections to understanding what kidney stones might feel like. He tackles sensitive topics like bathroom accidents and the importance of good hygiene with warmth and humour, ensuring every child feels seen, understood, and never alone. This initiative is a dual-force solution:
- For Patients & Families: A tangible source of comfort and education, making a daunting journey feel manageable and even playful.
- For Physicians: A powerful, pre-designed tool to humanise their interactions, rebuild connective joy, and directly combat systemic burnout.
Be part of the compassion revolution. Join us on our library and hospital tours or provide a Benjamin plushie to a vulnerable child today.
Decoding the Future: The DTNA Gene Variant Initiative
While we comfort patients today, we are building the scientific foundations for tomorrow. Our research team is pioneering the functional investigation of a novel DTNA gene variant (VUS-3B). A specific genetic signal with a strong link to patient phenotypes that remains mechanically unexplored.
As the first to characterise this variant's biological mechanisms, our work will determine its pathogenic role and illuminate its potential connections to metabolic and kidney disease, paving the way for future diagnostics and targeted therapies.
Partner with us at the frontier of genetic discovery. Help us turn a 'Variant of Unknown Significance' into a landmark of new understanding.