Pulling for Chris! Community rallies to help man battling cancer (Photo Gallery)

STORY BY ERICA GOODNIGHT
PHOTOS BY KEVIN IMM

OLIN — In an incredible show of solidarity, a tight-knit community rallied to support a local man battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on Saturday by attending a unique fundraising event.

Chris Harris received the life-altering diagnosis on August 30. He was admitted to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center on September 6 to undergo intensive chemotherapy, but learned two weeks later that the chemo had no effect on his leukemia cells.

Chris began a new regimen that showed promise on September 20 and was allowed to return home to continue his fight with his wife Emily and 2-year-old son Lane by his side. Since then, he has been undergoing intensive treatment in preparation for a potential bone marrow transplant – a critical step that could help him beat this aggressive cancer.

As word of his diagnosis spread, friends, neighbors, and even strangers wanted to help. A small committee of friends and family members, including Adam and Stephanie Harris and Scott Hall, quickly organized a tractor and lawnmower pull, an event that combined his love of farming and the community’s rural spirit.

Held at a local track in Olin, the Lawnmower, Truck & Tractor Benefit Pull, presented by Tomlin Mill and Yadkin Valley Pullers, featured tractors, lawnmowers, and pullers of all ages competing for fun while raising funds to help with Chris’ mounting medical expenses.

The event brought out hundreds of people with tractors, trucks, and lawnmowers of all makes and models roaring down a marked track. From antique tractors and souped-up trucks to custom lawnmowers, the event had something for everyone. There were homemade food stands. Local businesses joined the effort, donating everything from food and drinks to raffle prizes.

Many families came just to show their support, knowing that every ticket sold and every raffle entered would help ease the financial burden for someone they cared about.

“I’m just blown away by everyone here,” said Emily, speaking on behalf of the family. “To know he has the support of so many people as he fights this means more than I can say. The money helps, of course, but it’s also just the love and kindness people are showing.”

According to doctors, Chris’ path to recovery will likely include several rounds of chemotherapy, after which he hopes to be cleared for a bone marrow transplant. AML is a rapidly progressing cancer that requires aggressive treatment, but the family remains hopeful and committed to his fight, bolstered by the community’s overwhelming response.

The event raised thousands of dollars, which will go toward covering medical bills, travel expenses for treatments, and additional support for the family. But beyond the financial contributions, the gathering reminded everyone of the power of community – the heart and spirit that unites them all.

“We’re in this together,” said Casey Harris, Chris’ brother. “No matter how tough things get, he won’t face it alone.”

For now, Chris continues his fight, drawing strength from those who stood by him and looking forward to the day he can thank them in person. As his treatments progress, the family and community remain optimistic that a successful transplant and recovery are on the horizon.

In the spirit of community support, friends and family members ask everyone to consider joining the bone marrow donor registry to help those battling blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A bone marrow transplant can mean the difference between life and death for patients in need, but finding a match is often difficult and depends on generous donors.

How You Can Help

1. Join the Registry: Registering as a potential donor is easy and can be done online with organizations like Be The Match. They will send you a cheek swab kit, which takes only minutes to complete, and you could be the match that someone is waiting for. Learn more HERE.

2. Spread the Word: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to consider registering. The more people who join, the greater the chance of finding life-saving matches.

3. Learn About the Process: Many people don’t realize that bone marrow donation is often a simple outpatient procedure. In many cases, it’s done through a process similar to blood donation.

Why It Matters

Blood cancer patients rely on matches from people of similar genetic backgrounds, so more diversity in the registry is especially important. Every new donor increases the chance of a match for patients everywhere. Joining the registry doesn’t just mean being a potential match for one person – it means you could be there for countless others who desperately need this hope.

Let’s stand together for all those facing the fight of their lives. With just a few moments of your time, you could be someone’s miracle.