Church forms "Team Harris"
to help family cope with transplant

Barbara Harris of Moul Road, Parma is no stranger to kidney-related problems, she says. "Mine began when I was six years old. Then at age eleven I endured two-and-one-half years of dialysis. Problems continued that led to a transplant of one kidney in 1972. Now the other kidney must be replaced and I expect the operation sometime in mid-January."

According to Jan Miller, executive director of the National Kidney Foundation of Upstate New York, citing statistics from Strong Memorial Hospital where such records are kept, there are 250 people on the waiting list and a three to four year wait is not unusual. In Barbara's case, because her husband, David, passed all the screening tests, her wait is only for a surgeon's date and operating room facilities.

David Harris says, "I have no qualms whatsoever. I'm just glad it worked out."

While the communication and emotional aspects of this arrangement are simplified, the three to four hour operation requires a six-day hospital stay followed by six to eight weeks of recovery. This concerns the Harrises who have three adopted children: Nathaniel, 10; Madelyn, 8; and Shelby, 4, who need attention while the parents are hospitalized. Barbara and David are also Sunday School teachers at Parma Greece United Church of Christ at 1211 Manitou Road in Parma.

The congregation of the church, recognizing the problem, met on November 12 and has established "Team Harris." Its mission is defined as: 1) Family helping family. 2) Extended family support. 3) Goal: Provide peace of mind for the Harrises so they can heal quickly. 4) Faith-based action grounded in Christian love and fellowship. 5) Role model for others.

At the same meeting, three volunteer coordinators were designated as follows: Child care - Nancy Grierson, Meals - Kay Perrine, Sunday school - Marion Morton. Many persons have already volunteered via a previous questionnaire and have been assigned to one of the three action groups.