Sandusky resident needs liver transplant

SANDUSKY — Someone can make a difference in the life of Chris Collins. He is in need of a life-saving liver transplant. The longtime Sandusky resident was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare and chronic liver disease, when he was a teenager. The disease causes the liver's bile ducts to become inflamed, scarred and blocked, which traps bile in the organ and leads to progressive liver damage. Chris, 38, received a new liver in June 2023 when his aunt, Jill Collins, became a living donor. Just three years later, he now needs a second liver transplant. A recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis, along with damage to the liver's hepatic artery caused by a post-transplant blood clot, has caused problems with his current liver. Blockages in the liver have resulted in Chris being hospitalized for septic blood infections multiple times. It has been difficult on Chris and his family. Chris also has fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition causing learning and cognitive impairment. His sister, Lisa Cassel, emphasized how, "Chris truly embodies the meaning of resilience." "He has one of the kindest and gentlest souls you could ever meet, and he cares deeply for those around him," Lisa added. "While he has been feeling more discouraged this time, likely because he knows firsthand what lies ahead, he continues to face each challenge with courage and determination. Above all else, Chris is a fighter." Chris' condition has deteriorated more quickly than expected, making a second transplant more urgent. Chris' Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, which helps determine the severity of the patient's condition and prioritize transplant eligibility, is higher than before his first transplant. This indicates a greater risk of mortality without intervention. "We are grateful for the additional time we have had with Chris because of his initial liver transplant. We remain hopeful that a second transplant will be successful and give us more time with him," said Carol Collins, Chris' mother. "Chris is such a bright light, and this world needs more people like him in it." Chris was officially placed on the transplant list on Thursday. A liver could become available at any time. But someone being a living donor is another option. The liver is an organ that's able to regenerate back to its full size. "The thought of being a living donor might sound a bit scary to some, but in my experience, it was actually pretty easy and rewarding," said Jill, who donated part of her liver to Chris three years ago. Support, follow his journey The community helped support Chris and his family throughout his first transplant, and locals remain incredibly grateful, family members said. Once again, they're experiencing significant expenses including travel to and from Cleveland, hotel accommodations, meal and other costs. Cards, letters, care packages and visits will help lift Chris' spirits during his current hospital stay and the journey ahead. "It has been a tough road lately with Christopher in and out of the hospital," Chris' father Howard Collins said. "We appreciate all the love and support we have gotten from friends, family and even people we don't know. It warms our heart and eases our burden." People can continue to follow updates about Chris by joining the "Chris Collins Liver Transplant Journey" group on Facebook. How to help There are several ways people can help Chris, including by: • Donating money by contacting Lisa Cassel at 419-656-7012 or sending contributions by mail to: — Lisa Cassel — C/O Chris Collins — 5520 McCartney Rd. — Sandusky, OH 44870 • Mailing cards, letters or care packages to the same address • Arranging a visit at the hospital by contacting Lisa • Being evaluated as a living donor by visiting my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/transplant/programs/liver/living-donor-clinic