Christopher's Journey: Care & Support

Hey everyone,

We’re reaching out to you all today to ask for your support for my nephew, Christopher Hardy (Chris to most everyone else), who is currently in UAB Hospital fighting for his life. Chris has been through a lot over the years, but right now, he’s in a critical situation and needs another liver transplant to survive.

We saw Chris this past Christmas and, although he wasn’t feeling 100%, it wasn’t anything that seemed too concerning at the time. Just a bit of yellowing in his skin, but nothing alarming. In the picture above, you can see him holding his new niece, Zoe, looking like himself. Things took a sudden turn for the worse after that, though. He was admitted to Emory and then transferred to UAB, where doctors worked around the clock to figure out what was going on. After a brief stint at home, Chris was rushed back to the hospital and ended up needing emergency care.

On February 1st, doctors were hopeful that Chris would be able to go home soon while waiting for biopsy results. But overnight, things took a dramatic turn. Chris went into hemorrhagic shock and had to be rushed to the ICU. We got the call that a code blue was called as they literally ran him down the halls to save his life. He lost 2 liters of blood and needed 11 units of blood to stabilize. After some urgent procedures, they discovered bleeding ulcers in his stomach, which could have been caused by previous surgeries.

The good news is that Chris is out of ICU and is still being monitored for ongoing bleeding. He’s in a lot of pain, but doctors are working hard to keep his liver and kidneys functioning as best as they can.

On top of all this, we got some unexpected news from UAB—they’ve told Chris that he’s not a candidate for a transplant there. But, his doctor is fighting for him to get a life-saving transplant at Emory in Atlanta. It was a huge shock, and it was definitely one of those “what now?” moments, but after thinking it over, we realize the positive side: if Chris gets accepted for a transplant at Emory, he’ll be closer to home, which means more of us can be there for him.

At this point, Chris is still at UAB, but he’s waiting for a bed at Emory. There’s no guarantee that Emory will accept him for the transplant, but we’re hopeful. We just need to get him there and see if he’s eligible.

Chris has never had an easy road when it comes to his health. From a young age, he has faced multiple surgeries, and in 2018, he underwent his first liver transplant on September 26. That period in his life was incredibly difficult—not just physically but emotionally as well. Shortly after his transplant, his marriage ended, adding another layer of hardship to an already overwhelming journey. Despite everything, Chris pushed forward with resilience and strength, leaning on his family and friends while working to rebuild his life. He faced those challenges with the same determination and grit that define him, never losing his sense of humor or his ability to be there for others.

What you need to know about Chris is that he’s one of the most genuine, helpful, and selfless people you’ll ever meet. He’s the guy who’ll stop on the side of the road in any weather to help someone in need. Once, he even stopped traffic on I-85 to help someone who’d been in an accident get to safety. He’s also the guy who’s always there for his friends, stepping up when things get tough. He climbed 40 feet up a tree to rescue my cat on my birthday—just because he’s that kind of person.

We’re asking for donations to help cover the costs of medical bills, travel expenses, and most importantly, to help keep Chris’s health insurance active. It’s always been crucial for Chris to maintain a health insurance policy, but never more so than now. Anything you can contribute will make a difference, and if you can’t donate, sharing his story and keeping him in your prayers is just as valuable.

Chris’s parents, Brian and Karen Hardy, have been by his side throughout this entire ordeal. They’re incredibly grateful for the support they’ve already received, both financially and in the form of prayers, and they are deeply touched by everyone who’s shown up for their son.

Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and support during this incredibly challenging time. We know Chris has so many people rooting for him, and we are beyond grateful for each and every one of you who stands with him.

With love,

Rhonda & ALL the family