'Anything To Help Our Son': Oak Forest Family Needs To Find Living Liver Donor For Teen

OAK FOREST, IL — If things had gone according to plan, Brody Lynch would be out west right now, well into his freshman year at Arizona State University.

The passionate videographer and media coordinator at Bremen High School was locked on to a media production major and ready to leave in August, when life dealt him an unexpected blow.

The Oak Forest native, 18, has been battling chronic liver condition primary sclerosing cholangitis since Jan. 2024, and as he awaited a much-needed liver transplant, his condition was declining.

His doctors told him to stay put.

"The phone call from the doctors about not going to ASU was difficult for the whole family because he had his heart set on leaving for college," his father, Michael Lynch, told Patch.

As he dealt with that disappointment, Lynch's symptoms worsened and in October, he was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma—bile duct cancer. The teen now finds himself in even more urgent need of a living liver donor as he fights the two conditions.

"It's tough," Michael Lynch told Patch. "The initial diagnosis of PSC came after an injury at a wrestling match. He still tried to wrestle the next day through extreme pain, showing his resilience."

Though most would be overwhelmed, Lynch has been steadfast—actually, his father said, "throughout the whole situation he has been relentless."

In PSC, the liver’s bile ducts become inflamed and scarred, and eventually blocked.

His attitude in facing his health challenges head-on shows the same spirit that fuels Lynch's creative efforts, his father said.

"Brody is a hard-working, determined, creative young man who puts 110 percent in everything he does," Mike Lynch said. "From academics, sports, photography and video, he always rises to the challenge and overcomes it."

The father and son both work at Bremen High School, where the elder Lynch is a language arts teacher, Bremen District 228 TV advisor and wrestling coach. Mike Lynch has witnessed his son's skill set broaden, though they don't often get to work alongside each other.

"Brody is a talented young man who has developed skills that rivals some professionals in the industry," Mike Lynch said. "His technical abilities of working with a camera through video, photography, and editing combined with his amazing ability to tell a story will result in him being successful.

"... I have taught media for over 20 years, and Brody has what it takes to be successful in the industry."

Lynch won a Crystal Pillar Award in April—a nod from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to recognize outstanding television production by high school students. He's also currently nominated for a National Student Production Award through the same academy, for a documentary he produced about his close friend's rare disease.

Lynch's sharp eye and storytelling are artwork, skills carefully and passionately honed over time. A graduate of Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Lynch in his senior year participated in a work study program in the media program through Bremen High School.

"I love working at Bremen High School," Lynch said. "The staff, students, and overall community is very nice and supportive. Working alongside my dad is fun, even though we don’t see each other often while at work, he always helps me with planning events to make sure everything’s perfect to capture.

"I love videography and photography because it allows me to tell and create stories for others to be impacted by. ... I would love to keep the same passion for storytelling and filmmaking. Whether that be sports, broadcasting, film, etc."

Parents Mike and Andrea would like to see Lynch chase that dream and love for his craft in Arizona. But first, they need to find him a liver, and it must be from a living donor.

A match for donating to Lynch must meet three basic criteria, to start:

• Be blood type O
• Between the ages of 18 - 55
• In healthy condition

The form can be completed online. Though many have submitted their information, a match has not yet been found.

Meanwhile, Lynch will undergo chemotherapy and radiation.

"I noticed since things have progressed, I’m a bit more fatigued, I’m jaundiced, and I have stomach pains," Lynch said. "I do my best to take one day at a time. As for my immediate future, I just want to get past my chemo and radiation treatment, and prepare for a possible liver donor."

The Bremen District 228 community is rallying around the Lynch family, sharing word of Lynch's need for a liver in hopes of compelling potential matches to come forward.

"Mike Lynch is a Bremen guy through and through," said Bremen High School Principal Dr. Jessica Rucinski. "He's a proud alumni (Class of 1996) and a dedicated teacher and coach who has spent his career pouring into our students and this community. As the leader of our Communication Arts and Technology program, Mike has inspired countless young people over the years, including his son, Brody.

"Brody Lynch is an exceptionally talented filmmaker, and it’s been a joy to see him use his creative gifts to highlight everything that makes our school such a special place. Through his films, Brody has spent his time shining a light on others, and now it’s our turn to shine the spotlight on him.

"Bremen has always been a place where people look out for one another, and now the Lynch family needs us most. We hope that by sharing Brody's story, we can help this remarkable young man find the match he deserves."

As word spreads via news coverage and social media, applications have increased, the family learned.

"Most of the time you see the negative aspects on social media," Lynch said. "Everything that is going wrong in the world. It just shows there are kind people that are willing to help a stranger. And I’m very grateful for that."

The support has been humbling, Mike Lynch said.

"It's been overwhelming," he said. "We are an extremely private family, but we are in need of some help in finding a live liver donor. And we will do anything to help our son."