The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – The public is cordially invited to spend an evening with author Harry Collins. His program will be held in the Michael Armstrong Community Room of the Clifton Forge Public Library. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3.
In addition to writing several children’s books as well as a book on his college years at Virginia Tech, Harry is also the author of “My 2nd Chance at Life: Story of a Lung Transplant” and “My 3rd Chance at Life: Story of Kidney Failure.”
In 2010, Harry was diagnosed with COPD and had a bilateral lung transplant at Duke University Medical Center. The drugs a person takes for a transplant can damage other organs. For Mr. Collins, the rejection drugs he took for the lung transplant began to deteriorate his kidneys, which landed him in the hospital in 2024 when his kidneys failed.
Mr. Collins’ program will focus on his lung transplant story with special emphasis on organ donation.
Harry earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Virginia Tech.
He has over 40 years of experience in operations management, with a strong background in space management, real estate, facilities, and transportation.
A member of the Lung Transplant Foundation, he organized its first Annual Golf Tournament in June 2011 and has himself completed seven tournaments since then. He has also served as Vice President and as CEO and Chairman of the Board for this organization.
A former resident of Roanoke, VA, Mr. Collins currently resides in Christiansburg, VA, where he was elected to the Town Council in 2016. He also has 12 years’ experience as a member of the Town Planning Commission.
His connection with Clifton Forge, likewise, sparks many good memories. “I was actually born in Clifton Forge,” he says, at the C&O Hospital. I went to first grade at Moody Elementary .” His parents moved from Girard Street and Alleghany Street to Roanoke following his first grade year.
“I still have many good friends in Clifton Forge,” he says. “It’s a great place!”
“The most important thing in my life,” Mr. Collins concludes, “is my family.” He has four children, two stepchildren, and 13 grandchildren. At the time of his transplant, he had only two grandchildren. “That shows what great things happen with transplants,” he says, citing “the chance and the honor” he had to meet 11 more grandchildren since the transplant.
Mr. Collin’s program will conclude with a book signing.
Admission is free.
Light refreshments will be provided.
The Clifton Forge Public Library is located at 535 Church Street.
For information on any library program, call 863-2519.
