Yorkville Man Running to Raise Funds for Organ Transplant Awareness

For years, Chris Heitz’s family doctor had been urging him to go in for a physical.

In his early 30s at the time, the Yorkville resident balked at the suggestion.

“I thought, ‘What do I need a physical for?’ ” Heitz said.

But four years ago, after an uncle passed away from skin cancer, Heitz made an appointment.

“I had spent a lot of time in the sun so I wanted to get checked,” he said.

While Heitz was in the clear for melanoma, the results from the general physical revealed kidney stress. After further testing and visits to specialists, he was diagnosed as being in the final stages of kidney failure, which doctors said was likely due to an untreated strep virus.

This came as a shock to Heitz, who had not been feeling sick.

He was told he would need a kidney transplant. But with a waiting list period that could last five years, he also would need dialysis, unless a living donor could be found.

He found that donor in his brother-in-law, Mike Brummel, who was 23 at the time. Heitz, married and a father to three children, is grateful for the donation.

“I was able to return to what I consider a normal life,” he said.

These days, Heitz, 38, is trying to raise transplant awareness. In October, he will run in the Chicago marathon with Team Sweetness to raise money for both the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation and the Jarrett Payton Foundation.

His involvement with the foundations came by happenstance.

Last year, during the annual Yorkville Economic Development Committee banquet and raffle, the grand prize was a trip for two to the Super Bowl, including airfare, a hotel, and two tickets to the game.

The keynote speaker for the banquet was Connie Payton, and to the grand prize, she had added an invitation to Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year luncheon, held annually during the Super Bowl activities.

Heitz ended up winning the prize, and invited Mike to attend the Super Bowl with him.

When the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation found out Chris was a transplant recipient and Mike a donor, they were thrilled. Heitz and his brother-in-law were invited to spend several days with the Payton family during their trip to the Super Bowl, and friendships were forged.

When Heitz heard about Team Sweetness, he said the decision to participate was “a no-brainer.”

He admits the marathon will be a bit of a challenge.

“I’ve never run anything more than probably an 8-mile,” he said. “I’ve gotten the blessing from my doctors, but I have to be smart about it. I can’t push myself to the limit like others can.”

Heitz is grateful for what he feels is his second chance in life and hopes more people choose to become organ donors.

“There is a huge need for it,” he said. “There are more people going on the waiting list than are people willing to become donors.”

He is using his own story to spread the word.

“When I’m out and about I speak freely about it,” he said. “I don’t hide anything.”

Keep up with Heitz on his journey by following his blog.