Benefit to be held for High Point Resident in Need of Heart Transplant

Chris Roberts, left, who will need a new heart transplant, and Rodney Fulks, right, who is helping organize a pork steak dinner Saturday, May 12, from 4-7 p.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Center, Eldon.
Chris Roberts, left, who will need a new heart transplant, and Rodney Fulks, right, who is helping organize a pork steak dinner Saturday, May 12, from 4-7 p.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Center, Eldon.

In 2004 Chris Roberts, High Point resident, was diagnosed with an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy) due to the flu virus. The virus settled in the left side of his heart and caused the side to die. Because of this Roberts waited for six months in St. Louis to receive a heart transplant. On Sept. 8, 2004, Roberts received his transplant and took a month to recuperate. Now eight years later due to plaque buildup the vents in his transplanted heart have gone bad and Roberts needs another heart transplant.

When he received his first transplant Roberts was 31 years old. Now he is 38 years old. Because of his smaller size and being compliant with the rules of not drinking or smoking after receiving a transplant, if Roberts can get on the transplant list, no easy task, there is a decent chance he can receive another transplant.

For more of this story check out the May 9 issue of the California Democrat.