CWAers Rally Around Union Son in Need

Members and retirees of CWA Local 1180 are rallying around the son of member Margaret Manolis, Elias, who was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease before birth. Elias turned 13 in November and has spent his entire life managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Doctors have now determined that Elias will need a kidney transplant, with his medical team strongly recommending a living donor due to his young age.

"I've had multiple surgeries to keep my kidneys from getting worse, but now I need a kidney transplant," Elias said. "I'm still young, and a living kidney donor would change my entire life and help me be healthier."

Click here to read more about Elias's journey.

The family has been unable to find a match for Elias and are widening their search nationally, including within our CWA family.

"We're just hoping for one person," Manolis says. "We only need one. There are so many success stories of strangers donating a kidney to help someone live a long, productive life without dialysis. It's a beautiful thing. I wish I could do it myself."

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a living donor or wish to be screened as a potential match for Elias, please fill out this form.