Leesburg SRO in need of kidney transplant

(LEESBURG, GA) – To his fellow officers, Student Resource Officer Charles “Allen” Barnhill is one of the finest people in the Leesburg Police Department.

Just ask Chief, Chris Prokesh.

“He actually won the officer of the year award this year, just because of him giving 100 percent in light of all the personal adversities that he’s been going through,” says Prokesh.

Allen was diagnosed last december with stage 4 kidney disease and has been on dialysis for nearly a year.

He recently was put on the mayo clinic’s kidney transplant list and may only be steps away from being named an active recipient.

He tells us, “Right now, I need $5,200. We’re close to that goal right now. And all of that is going towards living expenses. After the transplant, we have to live in Jacksonville for a month and a half, and it helps with the anti-rejection meds.”

As news about his situation spread across the city, Allen has received an immense outpouring of support. Whether it’s been from his fellow officers, or the students and teachers he protects at Lee County Middle School.

“They’ve either lifted me up in prayer, they’ve gotten tested to see if they’re a possible donation match. Or they’ve just given a monetary donation,” says Allen.

While Chief Prokesh says, “We’ve had several people up here that, themselves have looked into being donors, but due to blood type or medical issues, such as kidney stones for an example, that prevents you from being a donor.”

If you are interested in donating, you can reach out to Allen’s Facebook page or make a donation at Leesburg City Hall.