Two former pool rivals from Glen Burnie, Maryland, have become forever connected through a life-saving kidney donation. James Harris Jr. and Russ Redhead’s perspectives on life changed after Harris underwent a kidney transplant during “Donate Life Month” in April. The unlikely bond between the two men formed over a decade ago when Redhead accused Harris of cheating during a high-stakes pool tournament in Las Vegas. Redhead has since apologized and has become part of Harris’s pool family. However, Harris kept a secret from his pool family for three years, quietly battling for his life while on dialysis and in need of a kidney transplant. Harris’s wife, Denise, shared his story on Facebook in the hopes of inspiring someone to consider donating. Ultimately, it was Redhead who stepped up and donated a kidney, saving Harris’s life. Redhead is now encouraging others to go through the testing process to potentially save someone else’s life, emphasizing the importance of helping others when in need.
