A New Jersey family is in a race against the clock to find a living kidney donor for their 14-year-old son.
Thaddeus Giansanti was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at birth, forcing him to undergo multiple surgeries in his first five months of life, including the removal of his left kidney.
He didn’t let it slow him down. Now 14 and an eighth grader in Morris County, Thaddeus is a straight A-student who enjoys fencing, soccer, hiking and other sports, his parents, Carlo Giansanti and Christa DeMark, told The Post.
His grades are so good that he’s already received multiple scholarship offers for high school, they said.
But blood tests in February 2025 showed Thaddeus’ health had taken a turn for the worse and his second kidney was failing.
Doctors have told the family the boy needs a kidney transplant within the next month to avoid dialysis, which puts severe strain 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.
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