A New Jersey family is urgently seeking a living kidney donor to save 13-year-old Thaddeus Giansanti. The eighth-grader was born with kidney disease, requiring multiple surgeries throughout his life, including the removal of one kidney as an infant.
"His remaining kidney is now failing," his father, Carlo Giansanti, stated. "We are not a match, so now we’re asking for help from the community."
Thaddeus's condition was detected before birth due to an ultrasound revealing potential issues with his ureters and kidney formation. He spent an extended period in the NICU and underwent a left nephrectomy before he was five months old.
His remaining kidney has chronic kidney disease, necessitating lifelong medication. "He’s getting bigger, and it's been putting more stress on his remaining kidney," his mother, Christa DeMark, explained.
Doctors have advised that a living donor transplant is the best course of action, and the need is becoming more immediate. "Everything's been sped up based on his bloodwork lately," DeMark said.
Without a transplant in the coming weeks, Thaddeus will require dialysis. Despite his health challenges, he is described as a smart, athletic, and outgoing student who excels academically and is active in his community.
Potential donors must be 45 or younger, have a BMI under 30, and Thaddeus's O blood type. The procedure is laparoscopic with a relatively quick recovery, and medical costs are covered by insurance.
"The miracle Thad needs right now is people who have the ability to step up," his mother urged. "He is a great kid, a kind kid."
