After son’s life-saving kidney transplant, Franklin Square mom hopes to save another child’s life
After her 13-year-old son received a kidney transplant from a donor who saw his story, Margaret Manolis is working to help another family by becoming a living kidney donor.
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A long wait for a life-saving kidney ended happily for one Long Island family. Now, after watching her son get a second chance at life, one mother is hoping to pay that gift forward.
Last November, News 12 shared 13-year-old Elias Manolis's search for a kidney donor. In March, that search ended when a donor saw the story, and Elias received a new kidney.
"There's so many people, so many kids waiting for that lifesaving treatment," said Margaret Manolis of Franklin Square.
Since receiving the transplant, Elias has returned to an active lifestyle.
"He's up and running like a 13-year-old kid should be," Margaret said.
Inspired by her son's second chance, Margaret now wants to help another family. She is working toward becoming a living kidney donor. After initially not qualifying, she lost weight and passed initial screenings.
"I know what it is like being on the other side, waiting for that phone call. If I can be that phone call for someone else, why not?" Margaret said.
The family's story is now reaching families across the country. Kidneys for Kids, a nonprofit that advocated for Elias, named Margaret a spokesperson.
The family will also be featured in the organization's docuseries, "The Darker the Night."
"Kidneys for Kids drove around to 33 cities documenting many families. Ones that received kidney transplants. Ones waiting for kidney transplants. It's a docuseries that will air in March of 2027," Margaret said.
After everything Elias has been through, he says his mother's decision to become a donor means a lot to him.
"She has been there for me my whole life and has taken care of me. Hearing she wants to donate makes me happier and proud of her," Elias said.
