A legacy that keeps growing.
This page preserves stories connected to Chris’s gift of life. More recipient stories, photos and milestones can be added here with care.
Sam’s Story
A connection closer than anyone expected.
Las Cruces family friend Sam Burgess was living with polycystic kidney disease when he received one of Chris’s kidneys. KFOX14 reported that Sam knew Chris and his parents through the community. When he learned Chris’s kidney was a match, he described feeling hope, gratitude and love alongside a sense of unworthiness. He credited Janel with helping move the transplant process forward by contacting Mayo Clinic and getting the people involved who were needed to make it happen.
After the transplant, Sam learned that he and Chris shared a passion for racing and rebuilding cars. He spoke about staying close to Chris’s family and carrying that connection with him into the future.
“Please just Love like him. And live your life.”
— Janel Carnero, as quoted by KFOX14. This story is summarized from KFOX14’s April 21, 2026 reporting.
Read Sam’s full story on KFOX14 →More stories can live here.
More recipient stories can be added here as they are shared, while keeping the stories already told.