I am walking this Sunday to honor my Father in-law, bring awareness to kidney disease and others who have been impacted by unexpected kidney disease diagnosis. 

I first met my father in-law Chris in 2016 a few months after my wife Carissa and I started dating. He had only recently been diagnosed, however as soon as I met him it was clear that he was not going to let this diagnosis slow him down. 

My favorite memory of Chris .. The first was the day I asked for his blessing to marry his daughter Carissa. I remember my nerves hitting an all time high throughout the day as I attempted the perfect way ask such an important question. Once I was able to get a moment with him I realized that speaking from the heart was better than any speech I may have drawn up in my head. I started with how much I loved Carissa and that I had never been happier in my life. Right away he started tearing up knowing what was coming next. I asked for his blessing and right away he said, "about damn time I have been waiting for you to ask for a while now!'' We both laughed and as I went to shake his hand, he pulled me in for a huge and said that were family now and handshakes were no longer needed. 

A year and half and a full pandemic later, I was able to watch Chris walk Carissa down the aisle for our wedding. To say it was a beautiful and emotional moment is an understatement. Chris fought every minute of every day to make sure he was able to be there for that moment. Seeing how proud he was of his daughter and the smile on his face as he walked with her in front of our friends and Family was one that I will always remember. 

Chris passed away April of 2021 with Carissa by his side. This was such a difficult time for all of us, but as time passes there isn't a day that goes by where we don't share a funny Chris story or have a "what would Chris think about this" moment. My father in-law was one of the strongest and passionate people I have ever met and I am honored to walk in his honor this Sunday!