Gianna, 15, is facing sudden kidney failure from a rare autoimmune disease and now needs peritoneal dialysis and an O+ living donor. 40% of every T-shirt supports her medical and transplant expenses as her community rallies around her.
40% of every purchase is donated.
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Gianna Grace Havens
Gianna is a 15-year-old, 5’9”, intelligent, talented, and athletic young woman who currently lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. She was born in California and moved to Charleston, South Carolina at the age of two, where her love for the outdoors began. She spent her childhood playing soccer, jet-skiing on the water, climbing trees, and fishing—always happiest outside and always in motion.
At the age of 10, Gianna was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, but with early treatment she went into remission within a year.
In 2021, our family moved to Oklahoma for her dad’s job with Boeing. Gianna continued to thrive—excelling in both soccer and lacrosse while also remaining at the top of her class academically. She has been working toward her dream of playing Division I athletics in college, unsure yet whether her path would be soccer, lacrosse, or both.
On September 27, 2024, our world changed. Gianna’s dad tragically passed away in a jet-ski accident. We have spent every day since trying to heal and learning how to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Only weeks later, I was diagnosed with melanoma on my face. I underwent two major surgeries, recovered, and continued doing my best to carry us forward.
After many conversations and much prayer, Gianna decided she wanted a fresh start. She planned to move to Jacksonville in December to live with my sister so she could attend a high school that offered both soccer and lacrosse. My son and I would follow at the end of the school year. Gianna was excited to return to the water—to surf, fish, and enjoy the ocean she has always loved. She was counting the days until she could drive her cousin to school once she got her license in February. For the first time in a long time, the three of us were looking ahead with hope.
We were scheduled to leave for Tampa on November 20th for a major college-recruiting tournament—an opportunity to play in front of coaches from her dream schools. Afterward, we planned to spend Thanksgiving in Jacksonville with family and finalize Gianna’s school district transfer for January.
But over the past month, Gianna began having persistent headaches. She was unusually tired, and she had several severe, unstoppable nosebleeds. I took her to her pediatrician on a Friday, expecting a migraine diagnosis, as they run in our family.
On Sunday, November 16—just four days before we were supposed to leave for Tampa—her doctor called urgently and told me to take her to OU Children’s Hospital for further evaluation.
We have now been at OU Children’s for a week, and our world has once again shifted. Gianna has been diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks small blood vessels, causing inflammation and organ damage. On November 24, she had surgery to place a port for peritoneal dialysis, which she will need until she receives a kidney transplant.
Gianna’s life has changed direction in a matter of days. We don’t yet understand why this is happening—only God knows. What we do know is this: we are surrounded by exceptional medical care at OU Children’s, by love from our family and community, and most of all, by the strength and protection of our Lord.
God’s got her. And we are trusting Him with every step forward.
Gianna has begun the transplant evaluation process, and her team has confirmed that she will need a living kidney donor with O+ blood type.
A living donor greatly increases her chances for a successful transplant and a quicker return to the active, joyful life she loves.
Those who feel called to explore the possibility of becoming a donor can contact the family privately for the hospital’s donor evaluation information.
Even sharing this need can help connect Gianna with the person God may already be preparing to step forward.
For those who would like a tangible way to stand with Gianna, T-shirts are now available for purchase, with 40% of all sales going directly toward her medical and transplant-related expenses. Wearing one is a meaningful way to show Gianna that her community is behind her in this fight.
Shop CAUSETEAM Merch - 40% of every purchase is donated.
