Living kidney donors are a unique group of people. Donating a kidney is a courageous, generous act. You are giving the gift of life to someone in need. Fill out the Living Donor Screening Form today to see if you qualify to be a living kidney donor.
What are some good reasons to donate a kidney to someone in kidney failure?
- You will enhance the quality of their life and, quite possibly, save their life. People who have a kidney transplant live longer and have a better quality of life than people who stay on dialysis. (see chart below)
- A kidney transplant from a living donor starts working faster and lasts longer than a kidney transplant from a deceased donor.
- People on our transplant list can wait up to 6 years for a kidney. A living donor transplant takes them off the list and off dialysis sooner. The sooner they are off dialysis, the better the outcome for the recipient.
- Living donor transplants free up another space on the waiting list for those who do not have a living donor.
Who can be a donor?
- A donor can be a family member, more distant relative, friend, co-worker, or church friend. You do not have to be a “blood relative” of the recipient.
- It is also possible to donate a kidney to someone in need who you don’t know. This is called “Altruistic” or “Good Samaritan” donation.
- If you are not a compatible match with your recipient, there is the option of a paired exchange with another living donor/recipient pair. If you are interested in these options for living donation, we can provide you with more details. Call us at 210-567-5777 or toll free 1-888-336-9633.
Living kidney donors must be:
- Age 21 – 60
- In excellent health
- Willing to do all testing required
- Able to understand the risks and possible complications of kidney donation
- In a stable life situation and must have family or social support to help during recovery time
