Chris Campagna
2003 Community Hero
Loads of spaghetti and computer games are on Chris' list of "Top Five Favorites." This gentle and kind 16 year old has learned to take nothing for granted...no matter how he is feeling.
Chris was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre' Syndrome, an inflammatory disorder of the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. He was rendered unable to walk or eat and tolerates a great deal of pain on a daily basis. Despite all this, he still finds it important to help others.
During his nine week stay in the hospital, Chris always made it a point to get to know other kids who just “needed company.” He once befriended a baby girl who often cried at night, driving his wheelchair to her bedside so that she would not be alone.
Despite the ongoing pain and challenges of his illness, Chris never loses courage and compassion when it comes to others. His advice is simply to remember to “have patience.”
