A Life-Saving Bond: Teen Receives Kidney From Local Father

"He now has normal kidney function." — Rita Manolis, on her son Elias's recovery

A Race Against Time

Elias Manolis, a 13-year-old from Long Island, New York, received a life-saving kidney from living donor Tim Fitzpatrick on March 23, 2025, at NYU Langone. Elias was born with ureterovesical junction obstruction, a rare congenital disease that causes urine to back up into the kidney, leading to repeated infections, fevers, and debilitating fatigue.

His condition took a sharp turn for the worse in February 2025. Doctors urgently recommended a transplant—but warned the wait could stretch up to two years.

The Donor's Decision

Tim Fitzpatrick, a 44-year-old father of two from Long Island, learned about Elias's case through local news. Fitzpatrick's own son lives with eosinophilic esophagitis, an immune disease affecting the esophagus. Moved by the boy's story, he registered as a living kidney donor. Remarkably, he was found to be a compatible match.

Surgery Day

The operations took place on March 23. Fitzpatrick's kidney was removed using minimally invasive surgery, then transplanted into Elias in a four-hour procedure. Both surgeries went smoothly.

Fitzpatrick was discharged the very next day and soon after visited Elias—marking the first time the two met face to face.

Recovery and New Beginnings

Elias was discharged five days later and is recovering well. He will need to take immunosuppression medication for the rest of his life and is currently in isolation to protect his new organ. Physicians say he should be able to resume normal activities soon.

"I can't wait to ride my bike and eat steak." — Elias Manolis

Rita Manolis reported that her son now has normal kidney function, a dramatic turnaround from the months of illness that preceded the transplant.

A Newly Extended Family

The Manolis and Fitzpatrick families live near each other on Long Island and have stayed in close contact since the surgery. They are already planning a barbecue together.

Tim Fitzpatrick's wife, Stephanie, captured the sentiment best: the families now consider each other part of their family.