Chevez "Chevy" Farris feels like he has a new lease on life, after receiving the gift of life. Chevy is an FHS graduate, and was a three time all state wrestler. Chevy also wrestled on the St Cloud, Minnesota national championship team after graduation.
About 5 years ago, while he was running. Chevy noticed he started feeling unwell. After hospital visits, tests, surgeries including bypass and getting a pacemaker/defibrillator and a heart failure diagnosis, Chevy was put on a waiting list for a new heart. Chevy had a heart transplant at U of M Hospital in May, 2025.
Chevy has returned to Ferndale and has been coaching Middle School, the little Eagles youth club team and assisting the HS teams. He had to stop coaching during his illness, however he has recently returned to coach wrestling, volunteering at the club, middle school and high school this past season.
A University of Michigan cardiac journal profiled his amazing story over the past month. And, on April 8th, WDIV-TV came to FHS to interview Coach Farris, as it is Transplant Awareness Month. Coach Farris hopes to meet the family of the heart donor in the near future. We will let you know and share the link once the WDIV story airs. Fly High, Eagles, and Fly High, Coach Farris!!!
