Former USF Player Ran Daily for Father’s Transplant
A former Bulls football standout is raising awareness to secure a life-saving kidney donation for his ailing father.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Football
Former USF football player Helms has begun running daily to raise awareness for his father’s urgent need for a kidney transplant. The campaign seeks to find a living donor to address Chris Helms’ declining health.
Why it matters
The effort highlights the critical shortage of organ donors and the power of athlete-led advocacy in mobilizing public support for medical needs. By leveraging his community ties, Helms aims to overcome significant health hurdles facing his family.
A total of 7 people have initiated donor screening to assist Chris Helms, with 6 individuals currently undergoing the formal testing process. One prospective donor is expected to travel to Tampa for further evaluation.
The players
Helms
He is a former University of South Florida football player who returned to the program under Alex Golesh.
Chris Helms
He is a Tampa resident whose declining health has created an urgent need for a kidney transplant.
Alex Golesh
He serves as the head coach of the University of South Florida football team.
LifeLink
This organization collaborates with the family to manage organ donor awareness and information dissemination.
The details
Helms, who returned to the USF football program under head coach Alex Golesh, is working with LifeLink to share his father’s story through social media and stadium content. Despite both he and his brother testing as incompatible donors, the family remains focused on identifying a match through public awareness.
Timeline
Helms left the USF football program in 2022.
The awareness campaign was active as of September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This advocacy effort aligns with the LifeLink organ donor awareness protocols to address critical patient needs. The campaign follows the pattern of leveraging high-profile athletic platforms to accelerate the search for viable organ matches.
Interested parties can engage with the process by accessing the online information link designated for potential donors. This effort currently relies on the voluntary commitment of screened individuals to provide a life-saving transplant for Chris Helms.
The takeaway
Advocacy campaigns like this demonstrate how personal dedication can effectively navigate the complexities of organ transplantation. Families in similar situations may find that utilizing public awareness platforms is a vital step in connecting with potential donors.
Further reading
For more background on the local athletic community, visit Football.
More information
Potential donors can review the information for potential kidney donors.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
