A New Jersey family is asking for urgent prayers — and a lifesaving act of generosity — as their 14-year-old son faces kidney failure and the prospect of dialysis within weeks if a donor is not found.

Thaddeus Giansanti, an eighth-grader described by his parents as joyful, driven and deeply compassionate, was born with kidney disease and has endured multiple surgeries throughout his life. Now, his remaining kidney is failing, and doctors say a transplant is his best chance for long-term health.

“His remaining kidney is now failing,” said his father, Carlo Giansanti. “We are not a match, so now we’re asking for help from the community.”

Thaddeus’ medical journey began even before birth, when a prenatal ultrasound detected abnormalities. Initially, doctors believed the issue might be minor, but concerns grew shortly after he was born.

“It looked like he had extra fluid when he was born,” his mother, Christa DeMark, explained. “Everything seemed normal, but right before we were leaving, they noticed an elevated creatinine number … that led to us being in touch with nephrology.”

Further testing revealed structural problems with his kidneys and ureters, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder. As an infant, Thaddeus spent extended time in the NICU and underwent numerous procedures. Before he was 5 months old, surgeons removed his left kidney.

His remaining kidney was later diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, requiring lifelong monitoring and medication. For years, his condition remained stable — but that has changed rapidly.

“He’s been with nephrology … his entire life, and up until last year, everything’s been stable, but that’s been slowly changing,” DeMark said. “He’s getting bigger, and it’s been putting more stress on his remaining kidney.”

Recent bloodwork has accelerated the timeline dramatically.

“Everything’s been sped up based on his bloodwork lately,” DeMark said. “So it’s looking like we need something quicker than we thought, which is why we’re looking for living donors.”

Without a transplant soon, doctors say Thaddeus will need dialysis — a physically and emotionally taxing treatment that can significantly affect quality of life.

“It’s obviously been challenging for him,” DeMark said. “He’s dealing with it very well, but these are difficult situations we’re navigating.”

Despite the mounting health crisis, Thaddeus continues to shine in school and community. His parents describe him as a straight-A student who has already earned multiple scholarships ahead of starting high school next year. He loves soccer, golf and fencing, plays piano and regularly volunteers — serving at church and helping at a local food pantry.

“He loves his family, and loves doing things with his family,” DeMark said. “He’s just a great kid.”

For years, the family kept Thaddeus’ condition largely private, wanting him to experience childhood without being defined by illness.

“We wanted Thad to just be the bright, happy person that he is, so we’ve minimized it for years,” DeMark said.

But as his condition has worsened, they have begun sharing his story publicly — and have been moved by the response.

“We never expected to have such an outpouring of people who cared or people trying to help — it’s been incredibly humbling,” she said. “It has pushed us to rely on faith in a way that’s very palpable — we are just coming together as a family and taking each day as it comes.”

The family remains hopeful that a living donor will step forward. Eligible donors must be 45 or younger, have O blood type and meet certain health criteria. The procedure is laparoscopic with a relatively quick recovery and is covered by the recipient’s insurance, not the donor’s.

“The miracle Thad needs right now is people who have the ability to step up,” DeMark said. “He is a great kid, a kind kid.”

As the Giansanti family waits and prays, their message is simple: there is a solution — and a life that could be saved — if someone is willing to help.

Those interested in being considered as a donor can complete the Kidney Transplant Living Donor Questionnaire.

Heavenly Father, we lift up Thaddeus to You. Please bring healing, protection and strength in these urgent days. Guide the right donor to come forward quickly, and fill his family with peace and hope as they wait. Surround Thaddeus with Your comfort and courage, and remind them all that You are near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.