About Coach Harris

A few years ago, Chris found out that his kidneys were not working correctly.  He has extreme hypertension associated with diabetes/genetics that damaged his kidneys. Chris has been working hard for a very long time to cut out the things in his life that can cause additional damage.  He has not drunk soda in 8 years, eats nothing with sodium, drinks eight to ten bottles of water a day, takes his medicine like clockwork, and has never smoked or drank alcohol in his life.  Last summer I started growing our veggies and canning them to ensure that he isn’t eating added harmful ingredients.  All of this has not been enough.  Chris, 49 years old, now needs a new kidney.  
He started the process of getting listed with UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing) in July, and was listed on October 30, 2025.  

On September 5th, Chris had fistula surgery (surgeons merged a major artery and vein in his arm).  This will allow him to start dialysis treatment at home.  We suspect dialysis will begin once the site has healed. However, at his last appointment they noticed his blood isn't flowing the way the would like it to.  He will have another surgery on December 11, 2025 to check the flow and if need insert a stent.  

Here is the hardest part of the process…we are searching for a LIVING DONOR.  Meaning, we are now openly looking for a person, with more compassion in their heart than can be described, to donate a kidney to Chris.  I do not meet the requirements to be his donor because I am an insulin dependent diabetic. 

Here are some facts we have learned about the donor/recipient donation process: 

• The average wait for a kidney on UNOS is 3-5 years.
• The person donating must be between 18 and 65 years of age with no medical issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or cancers.
• The first year after donation can be trying for the recipient due to immunosuppressant issues along with a doctor’s visit twice a week to UT that will last for 5 hours per visit.
• You MUST have a village to support you. Recipients and their immediate families will need support.  To aid with appointments, etc., Chris’s mother, Barb Harris, is permanently moving in with us in November.  A major blessing.
• You do not have to be the same blood type as Chris to donate, but if you are a type A that would be prefect. 
• Donors do not have to pay for their surgery.  It is covered by The University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Donors must have a BMI of less than 35.
  
  Chris is a sweet and loving husband, son, nephew, cousin, friend, coach, and co-worker.  He is my best friend.  He has coached thousands of men in college and high school football around the country over the last 25 years and tried to be the best example he could be.  So, I am asking/begging everyone to please share this as much and as often as possible on all social media platforms.  
  
  

We trust God has plan and we believe in the power of prayer. 

If you could please add Chris to your daily prayer list it would be greatly appreciated. 

A Kidney for Coach Harris!