Fall River Mom Pleads for Kidney Donor to Save Her Daughter

For 18-year-old Brooke Bianchi of Fall River, life has been one challenge after another.

After 17 years of strength, resilience, and faith, her family is once again facing the unthinkable — a fight to save her life.

Brooke’s mother, Nicole Souza, donated her own kidney to her daughter when Brooke was just 18 months old. That gift gave Brooke a childhood she might never have had otherwise. Doctors warned it would likely last 15 to 20 years. Heartbreakingly, that time has now come.

A Lifetime of Fighting

“When she was born, we already knew she was going to need help,” Nicole said. “She only had one kidney, and it was functioning less than 10 percent at birth. She needed dialysis right away to survive.”

For the first 18 months of her life, Nicole and Brooke’s father learned to hook their newborn up to a dialysis machine every night for 12 hours, praying she’d grow strong enough to receive a transplant. In October of 2008, that miracle came: Nicole became her daughter’s donor.

Now, nearly 17 years later, that same kidney is beginning to fail.

“She’s down to about 20 percent kidney function,” Nicole said. “Doctors want to move quickly to try and find her a living donor before she has to go back on dialysis.”

Hoping for a Hero

Brooke, a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, is now a full-time student at Bristol Community College, studying early childhood education. Between classes, work, and hospital visits, she’s managing more than 10 daily medications while trying to stay positive.

“She just turned 18, got her license, started college — she’s supposed to be enjoying her independence,” Nicole said, her voice breaking. “Instead, we’re counting kidney function percentages and praying for a match.”

READ MORE: Fall River Father Saved by Sister’s Kidney Donation

Brooke’s father, who once hoped to donate himself if needed, was later diagnosed with his own kidney condition and received a transplant through Rhode Island Hospital’s cross-matching program four years ago.

That makes Brooke’s need even more urgent.

“She’s Type A positive,” Nicole explained. “Even if someone isn’t a direct match, they could still be part of a cross-match program. That’s how her dad got his kidney, and it saved his life.”

“Someone, Please Help Save My Baby”

The family is currently working with Lahey Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital to find a suitable donor. Nicole said they’ve already begun the pre-transplant evaluation process and are trying to stay hopeful as they navigate the months ahead.

Once a donor is found, Brooke will face months of recovery and frequent hospital visits. The Souzas are bracing for a long road, emotionally and financially, as they prepare for travel, medical expenses, and time away from work.

“It’s breaking my heart because I can’t do it this time,” Nicole said, referring to her own transplant years ago. “I’d give her the world if I could, but now I need someone else to step in. Someone to help save my baby.”

How to Help

Anyone interested in learning more about the living donor process can begin by filling out the confidential questionnaire through Lahey Hospital in Burlington. Even if you’re not a Type A or O blood type, cross-matching programs can still connect compatible donors and recipients.

Nicole said every prayer, share, and show of support helps.

“She’s terrified, but she’s strong,” Nicole said. “She’s always been a fighter. I just need her to get another chance.”