Father's Day Miracle: A Dad Gave His 9-Year-Old Son a Kidney!

Father’s Day took on a profoundly emotional significance for Stephen Munari, a retired FDNY firefighter from Maspeth, Queens, and his family as they celebrated a remarkable journey of love and resilience. Their story centers around Stephen’s heroic act of donating his left kidney to his 9-year-old son, Jaren, at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.

Jaren was born with a rare genetic disorder called branches-to-renal (BOR) syndrome, which affected his kidneys and hearing. This condition, discovered shortly after his premature birth at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, necessitated early medical interventions, including surgeries to address congenital abnormalities and the fitting of a hearing aid. Despite these challenges, Jaren’s kidney function gradually deteriorated over time, impacting his daily life and requiring careful management of his diet and activities.

The decision for Jaren to undergo a kidney transplant was made proactively, aiming to prevent the need for dialysis and its associated complications. Stephen, described by his wife Donna Griebel as a constant source of support and strength for Jaren since birth, underwent rigorous testing to become a donor. On September 25, 2023, in a meticulously coordinated surgical procedure led by transplant surgeons Dr. Bonnie E. Lonze and Dr. Jonathan C. Berger, Stephen’s left kidney was successfully transplanted into Jaren.

The transplant marked a turning point in Jaren’s health journey, enabling him to regain his energy and enthusiasm for life. Supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, including nephrologists, pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, and child life specialists, Jaren recovered in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) before returning to his favorite activities, such as playing the piano and building Lego projects.

Reflecting on the journey, Stephen expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to give his son a new lease on life. He emphasized the importance of family support and the exceptional care provided by the hospital staff throughout the transplant process. Jaren’s progress has been closely monitored through regular follow-up appointments at Fink Children’s Ambulatory Care Center, ensuring that his new kidney functions optimally and supports his healthy development.

The Munari family’s celebration of Father’s Day this year was filled with joy and appreciation for Stephen’s selflessness and Jaren’s resilience. They gathered with both grandfathers and Jaren’s older brother, Joaquin, to commemorate the occasion with a barbecue, cherishing the moments made possible by Stephen’s life-saving gift.

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As they look towards the future, the Munari family remains hopeful, supported by the love and care that have defined their journey through adversity. Stephen’s act of giving continues to inspire others, demonstrating the profound impact of parental love and sacrifice in overcoming medical challenges and embracing life’s precious moments.