07/15/2026
In Oct. 2024, Ginobili’s life changed forever. After becoming critically ill, he was flown to Cook Children’s, where he was diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disease called Goodpasture syndrome. Just one week later, his kidneys had progressed to stage 5 chronic kidney disease.
Over the next year and a half, Ginobili faced dialysis, countless treatments and hospital stays with remarkable courage. In Feb. 2026, he received the life-changing gift of a kidney transplant. Soon after, he was also diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, but through every challenge, Ginobili’s resilience and spirit never wavered.
Even while facing his own challenges, he always found ways to lift others up. “Ginobili is known for his huge heart and his ability to make people smile. He once dressed up as Garfield for an appointment just to bring joy to other kids going through their own medical journeys,” says his mom.
His journey is a powerful reminder that courage isn't just found in overcoming hardship—it's also found in choosing kindness, hope, and joy every step of the way.
