In April 2014, Shaw was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of kidney disease called IgA nephropathy, a hereditary disease that causes the immune system to overreact to upper respiratory infections such as pneumonia, which in turn causes kidney failure.

“Transplantation is expensive and UAB, my transplant center, has informed me of the high uninsured cost of anti-rejection drugs, immunosuppressant medications, doctor visits, co-pays and test that I will be doing for the rest of my life,” Shaw wrote. “Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses and equipment.”

Shaw is on a restrictive diet and peritoneal dialysis for eight hours every day, while working full-time and doing side jobs when available.

Shaw has a wife, a 19-year-old son and an 18-month-old son.

Born in Tampa, Fla., in 1971, Shaw was raised in Wilsonville and graduated from Shelby County High School in 1989. He joined the U.S. Army for eight years and served two tours in Desert Storm and Shield.

Shaw attended Virginia College and has been a computer network technician for the past 24 years.

“He does all the sound and projections at Union every Sunday,” Vacarella said of Shaw. “He works so many side jobs trying to raise money. He does as much as he can and that his health will provide.”

Vacarella and other members of the event’s planning committee have spent the last few weeks reaching out to local businesses and churches for support.

“I wanted to hit every business in Columbiana, Chelsea and Harpersville, which are in our area,” Vacarella said. “Almost every church in our vicinity has reached out to be a part.”