Coral Springs youth football coach placed on life support as family launches urgent search for kidney donor amid escalating medical crisis
Coral Springs, Florida – A youth football community in Coral Springs is rallying around one of its own as a longtime coach and mentor remains on life support while his family urgently searches for a kidney donor and financial support for his care.
Henry Smith, a well-known youth football coach and former pastor, is facing a critical medical situation after years of kidney-related health complications. According to his family, his condition significantly worsened late last year, leading to hospitalization and the determination by doctors that he would require a kidney transplant.
Over time, his health continued to decline. Now, according to a public fundraiser organized by his wife, Dominique Smith, he is on life support and experiencing organ failure. The situation has left the family navigating both emotional strain and growing medical uncertainty as specialists continue to monitor his condition.
Doctors have recommended transferring Smith to a specialized medical facility capable of providing a higher level of care. However, the cost of such a transfer has created a serious financial challenge for the family, adding pressure to an already difficult situation.
To help manage the expenses, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at covering transportation to the hospital, temporary housing near the facility, daily living costs for their five children, and additional medical-related travel needs. As of Friday night, the campaign had raised $7,510 toward its $8,000 goal, reflecting steady community support.
In an update shared on the fundraiser page, Dominique Smith described the ongoing situation as emotionally and physically draining while also expressing gratitude for the help received so far.
“This has been emotionally and financially overwhelming for us, but your help has made it possible to keep up with his treatments and daily needs,” she wrote.
Despite the progress in fundraising, the family’s immediate focus has expanded beyond financial assistance. They are now also appealing to the public in search of a potential kidney donor. According to the information provided, compatible blood types for donation include B-positive, B-negative, O-positive, and O-negative. Those interested in exploring living kidney donation are being directed to contact Memorial Healthcare System transplant services for screening and evaluation.
Throughout the community, Smith is remembered not only for his medical struggle but for his role as a youth football coach who invested years into mentoring young athletes. Parents and players describe him as someone who emphasized discipline, encouragement, and personal growth both on and off the field.
His wife highlighted that role in the family’s message, emphasizing the impact he has had on others long before his health crisis began.
“Now, he needs us,” she wrote in the fundraiser. “And we need help.”
As the search for a donor continues, the family remains focused on keeping him stable and ensuring he receives the care he needs. For now, the situation remains delicate, with hope resting on both medical intervention and the possibility of a life-saving transplant.
