Chris’s Story

Site created on August 22, 2018

For the past few years Chris would periodically not feel well - and as Katie pointed out, we all tended to blame it on other things like what he had eaten (ie. lactose intolerance, too much spice...). Towards the end of 2017 he knew something was wrong, besides his battle with high blood pressure. On January 15, 2018 Chris was told he had Stage 4 Kidney Disease. A shock to say the least. But he was able to say "I told you I wasn't lactose intolerant!" Even with the seriousness of the diagnoses he and Katie were able to keep some of their humor. We shared this with family, and waited to share with others until we had more information.


Over the next few weeks tests were done and a biopsy was performed. This revealed IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). IgAN occurs when abnormal antibody immunoglobulin A's (IgA) are produced. Normally these antibodies fight infection, but in this case when the infection was gone they continue to fight normal cells and get trapped in the filtering system of the kidneys. There is no cure for IgAN, the kidneys will eventually stop filtering.  So all of the symptom he had were from this - high blood pressure, nausea, swelling, back pain... ( for more information on IgAN: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iga-nephropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352268)


For Chris the only option was transplant. He has spent the past few months being tested and interviewed for a transplant - not as easy to get on a transplant list as we thought. He was accepted into Tampa General's Tranplant centering June and was added to the transplant list in July.


Tim immediately offered to be tested as a possible match. An amazing, and truly loving act. Thru months of testing, he was finally approved as a good match. A test for the family - both brothers having surgery together and sharing life.


Their surgery has finally been scheduled for August 30th. Thoughts, prayers and well wishes for these two brothers would be greatly appreciated and welcomed!

Newest Update

out of the hospital!!

Journal entry by Lisa Beck —

Everyone is back in Orlando recovering! It has been a whirlwind couple days. Kelly was released Friday night and went back home to spend times with her fur babies. She is recovering very well, and being forced to take it easy. She’s back in Orlando with us and her family for this week of recovery. 
Chris was released Monday after they removed his dialysis port. He still has his jp drain in his side, but we hope to get that removed at Wednesday’s follow up. His kidney function was 73% that morning, which is absolutely amazing!! His recovery is going fantastic, normal pains from incision, but he has been a trooper through any of the painful or nauseous times. Luckily the nausea seemed to go away late Friday night.
They are both getting around slowly, but considering the MAJOR surgery was less than a week ago, I am blown away!
Thank you for all the prayers and support we all have received over the past week - it has been wonderful to feel all the love sent this way! Chris and Kelly appreciate it all, as well as the rest of us!❤️❤️
Read More of the journal titled "out of the hospital!!"
  • Two amazing people!
    Two amazing people!
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