A family in New Jersey is urgently searching for a living kidney donor for their teenage son, who is just 14 years old.
Thaddeus Giansanti has battled chronic kidney disease since birth, undergoing numerous surgeries in his first five months, including the removal of his left kidney.
Despite these challenges, Thaddeus has thrived. Now in eighth grade in Morris County, he’s an exemplary student with a passion for fencing, soccer, hiking, and various other sports, according to his parents, Carlo Giansanti and Christa DeMark.
His academic excellence has earned him several scholarship offers for high school, they shared.
However, February 2025 brought concerning news as blood tests revealed his remaining kidney was deteriorating.
Doctors have informed the family that Thaddeus requires a kidney transplant within a month to bypass dialysis, which can be extremely taxing on the body.
His parents and other families were all tested to see if they could donate but none were a match — including his mom who is the same O blood type.
“Dialysis is a heavy thing. I don’t know any 14-year-old who’s happy, athletic – nobody wants to be encumbered. It’s a huge burden for a child,” his mom said.
“Thad is very positive” and “optimistic,” his mom added. “We do have a deep faith in our family. We do lean in our faith in God, and it has really helped us and our child.”
The teen is on a transplant list to receive a kidney from a deceased patient — a process which could take at least three years, his family said.
Kidneys from living donors usually last much longer, making it the preferred option given his age.
The parents have been overwhelmed by support from their North Jersey community.
Neighbor Lisa Molinari posted a touching video on YouTube to raise awareness and help secure a living donor. The 102-second clip includes photos of Thaddeus through the years and an interview with his parents.
“I can’t tell you how incredible it is to have the support of our community — reaching out and trying to make connections for us and spread the word,” DeMark said. “It’s been remarkable to witness, to be honest with you.”
“It’s humbling,” his dad said.
Anyone interested in being considered as a donor should complete this Kidney Transplant Living Donor Questionnaire.
Kidney donors must be 45 or younger, have a Body Mass Index under 30 and match Thaddeus’ O blood type.
