Christopher Lee Rohrer

Christopher was born on Dec 21, 1979 with a congenital heart defect; and after his life-long fight to live, he died in his mother's arms on Feb 23, 2007 at the age of 27.  This amazing young man touched so many hearts during his short life.  He was born with a broken heart but had more heart than anyone who was blessed to have known him.  He was a young man who defined integrity, honesty and loyalty.  Chris had a heart that, though sick was pure. Instead of spending his last years enjoying his years, he chose to help care for his grandfather, Sam Bell, we lost Nov 24, 2006, who required 24-hr care due to Parkinson's disease. His passion was music and playing the drums. He was on his way to seeing his dreams come true, and we know he now has his new heart.  His creativity and love for life and other others leaves his family and friends with broken hearts now, but he did not leave with out leaving a legacy.  Growing up at Egleston Hospital as a heart patient then moving on to Emory through the Adult Children with Congenital Heart Program, Chris was not a stranger to what he was facing in his adult years.  Rarely were the days he wasn't thanking everyone who helped to care for him. He understood what it meant to be a team.  He appreciated everyone no matter what their job was, and even when he was almost too sick to hold his head up would say "thank you for doing what you do."  If things had gone differently he might have had an opportunity to receive the gift of a donor heart.  He trusted his team of care providers, and the family thanks them so much because of their amazing gifts as professionals and the Emory Hospital System in Atlanta.  Chris's life was extended much longer than his congenital defect would have otherwise allowed.  Chris became an organ donor, and his wishes were carried out.  Through a local affiliate program, Life Link, he was able to donate so much of his physical self to help others, and his heart went to the professionals who study congenital heart defects and give others the time we were able to have with Chris.  In deciding who to list as family in this obituary, I have chosen to list as many as possible in a way he would have wanted.  Born in Carrollton, GA to Chuck and Vicki, the rest of his family includes (but not limited to) Sam, Peggy, Betty, George, Tony, Heather, Holly, Josh, Ryan, Angie, Alisha, Larry, Allison, Charlie, Catherine, Jack, Jon & Michelle, Gail, Bobby, Terry, Lauren, Rob, Michael, Larry, T.J., Lanitta, Eunice, Kevin & Michelle, Bob, Jo, Sally, Nelda, Wendy, Guyler, Susan, Margie, his band, LaFourtune, Maggie, Charles, Renee, Brenda, Lynn, and so many more.  So as we put Chris to rest this Feb 26, 2007 Heart Month his family requests anyone who might see this or who had a chance to meet him or who was a part of the team who cared for him during his life to know Chris really knew what love is all about and as the heart is a symbol of love his was the best anyone could ever have.  We, his family, appreciate any condolences, and in lieu of flowers donations to the Adult Children with Congenital Heart Defects Program or Children's Medical Services of Atlanta, Emory or Egleston Hospitals would be appreciated.  Please become organ donors when possible; and no matter what never lose your sense of humor, no matter what life dishes out. Above all, trust God in all things.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, February 26th in the chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons.  Rev. Rodney McNnis will officiate.  Interment will be at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday at A. S. Turner & Sons.