Help Chris find a kidney donor

10/24/2024

I know its been a while since I posted here, and this will be the last one. Its been exactly 1 year since I got the call for my kidney transplant. I never realized how sick I was or even looked last year. My recovery had a couple stumbling blocks early on but Im doing great now. I made it to the 1 year mark and actually have a path to a long life. My health has improved tremendously and the kidney is doing great. Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers and messages throughout the year.

11/27/2023

Hey everyone. Its been just over 4 weeks since the kidney transplant and im feeling amazing! The recovery if going great, and im still learning my limits so I dont over do it. That being said, I think its almost time to deactivate this page. I appreciate all the support, kind words, and prayers Ive received from you all. I will be setting up a facebook donation page to help with the super expensive post op expenses. I will post that here before deactivating this page. For now, my go fund me page is still accepting donations. Thanks again everyone and God bless.

Hi, my name is Chris Barker. 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with an incura… Chris Barker needs your support for Post Kidney Transplant Medical & Monthly Bills

10/29/2023

Well, it happened! I got the call Thursday and received my kidney that night. Im sore and tired but very grateful and happy. This is a new beginning for me. Thanks for all your prayers and support over the years.

05/10/2023

Today is May 9th, my 46th birthday. Im at the Cubs game tonight with my best friend celebrating and guess what…. I GOT THE CALL! In the middle of the game. Im a back up but there are 2 kidneys available. The one for me is being tested as it might have been damaged but I am on high alert now.

03/27/2023

Hey everyone. Some of you may have seen that I am on notice for my kidney transplant. The Dr said I could be getting a call very soon. However, with this transplant comes enormous expenses. One of the medicines I will have to take is $500 per month. I set up a Go Fund Me page to get help with the post transplant expenses. You are my friends and supporters. I am not asking you to donate, just to share the page with everyone you know. Even the littlest amounts will help. The more exposure, the more opportunity for people to help. Thanks again for all your support.

03/24/2023

Exciting update! I had my transplant evaluation yesterday. I met with all the teams. My doctor said I am close to getting a transplant....weeks to a few months away. He even dropped my Kidney Donor Profile Index score to 50. (this means I will get a better kidney once available). Its been a very long road. I just wish my mom was still alive to see this come through. She was planning for this long before I was. Anyways, I will update everyone once things get closer. Now, I just need to find someone that can come stay with me and provide some after transplant care!

01/23/2023

End stage kidney failure wont hold me back from living my life.

01/03/2023

Woot woot!!! Just got a call from my kidney transplant coordinator. She said its a good bet that I will get my first kidney offer this year! Keep those prayers coming that this happens. Thanks for all your support!

09/07/2022

Awesome news! I just found out that my transplant center offers this treatment. So if you or anyone else you know who wanted to donate in the past but couldnt due to blood type, please read this below and DM me for more information.

Desensitization treatment: The Northwestern Organ Transplant Center is one of only a handful of centers in the country offering desensitization treatment. This treatment allows the donor’s kidney to be placed in the intended recipient. A week or two before surgery and a week or two after the transplant, these patients undergo a variety of treatments that help make antibodies compatible. Typically, three to five treatments are required before transplant. Long‐term outcomes of kidney transplants following desensitization have been excellent and comparable to compatible donor transplants.

09/07/2022

It should be longer than a week. Thanks for all your support. Im still fighting. I have my good days and my bad days but you’ll never see me down. Ill always have somethjng goofy to say about my mortality. 😂😂

07/12/2022

And to add insult to injury, Im back in the ER with covid. Again! At least its not monkey pox

06/15/2022

We lost another one in my clinic. 🥲 Be someones hero. Share your spare.