'My kidneys are dying out.' | Local fourth grader in search of kidney donor

ILLIOPOLIS, Ill. (WAND) — When asking Leon Garfat's teachers to describe him, the answer is simple.

"He shares his love and his joy, and it is so contagious," Garfat's fourth grade teacher JoBeth Page said.

As soon as Page turns on her smartboard music, the room feeds off of Garfat's positivity. They hold on and form a conga line around the room, chanting his name.

"Everybody wants to be Leo's friend..." added another teacher, Molly Miller.

This is an average day for the ten year old. Although surrounded by friends, laughter, and lots of dancing, Garfat is a 24/7 fighter.

"I do not know what it feels like to be like everybody else in the world..." Garfat told WAND News. "Slowly, but surely, my kidneys are dying out."

Garfat has been battling diabetes, and a rare auto-immune disease since he was just days old.

"We got his diagnosis that he has Ipex, which is a very rare autoimmune disorder," explained Garfat's grandmother, Wendy Humphres. "They started watching his kidneys. We knew there was something going on here."

The fourth grader is no stranger to doctors appointments, hospital stays, and tests. Now the kid who has been a cheerleader and helper for everyone is the one searching for help.

"If I don't get a new kidney, I'm going to have to go on a special treatment called dialysis. I've been on it four times, and I do not like it," Garfat said.

His school, teachers, and classmates are all by his side as he continues to wait patiently for that donor.

"I want a kidney really bad," Garfat said with a smile.

March marks National Kidney Awareness month. The 31 days are meant to help spread awareness for the serious condition affecting around 35.5 million people. One of whom is Leon Garfat.