PISCATAWAY, NJ — Thirteen-year-old Omar Danso, a seventh-grader at Schor Middle School, is facing a life-threatening health crisis after being diagnosed with end-stage renal failure.
Now, his family is searching for a living kidney donor as the young student undergoes nightly dialysis treatments and awaits a transplant.
Key Points
- Omar Danso, 13, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure after a December health scare.
- He requires a kidney transplant and is undergoing nightly peritoneal dialysis.
- His family is seeking living donor matches and hosting an awareness event April 26.
What started in December as suspected food sensitivity quickly turned into a medical emergency. After days of vomiting and a spike in blood pressure, Omar was rushed to St. Peter’s University Hospital, where doctors delivered the devastating news: his kidneys had stopped functioning.
“I felt like I got the wind knocked out of me,” said his mother, Jasmin Eversley-Danso. “I was shocked and frankly devastated.”
Omar spent two weeks in pediatric intensive care on hemodialysis. Now back home, his daily battle continues, including nightly peritoneal dialysis treatments that filter his blood while he sleeps.
Family seeks living donor match
The family is working with Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, which houses the region’s top kidney transplant program. Eversley-Danso began the donor evaluation process herself on April 2, which coincided with National Living Donor Day.
Even if she is not a match, potential donors with O-positive blood or others willing to join a paired donation program may help find a compatible kidney. The transplant team has a dedicated unit to protect and assess donors’ health and safety.
Those interested in becoming a donor can reach out confidentially by emailing cbmclivingdonor@rwibh.org, calling 973-322-5346, or filling out a donor form at cbmclivingdonor.org.
Community rallies with ‘Day of Fun’ April 26
To raise awareness and support Omar, his family is hosting a Day of Fun on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverside Park in Piscataway. The event will include a 5K fun run and walk, a DJ, food, and health information tables from NJ Sharing Network and Cooperman Barnabas.
“There has been a very positive response,” said school counselor Nancy Arvizzigno. “Students have shared that they miss seeing Omar in class.”
The event also aims to educate the public about organ donation and the importance of blood pressure screenings, which initially signaled Omar’s condition.
Teachers, classmates show support
Despite his condition, Omar continues to attend virtual lessons and stay engaged in school. Teachers like science teacher Kari Hester have rallied around him. “He continues to demonstrate courage, determination, and a positive attitude,” said Hester.
Classmate Noah Jenkins added, “Omar is a great person; he deserves a kidney. Please, someone out there, from the bottom of your heart, donate Omar a kidney.”