Living Donation

Benefits of a Living Donor Kidney

#1 Kidneys from living donors typically (median average) last for 15-20 years. One Wisconsin recipient has had the same living donor kidney since 1966.

#2 A kidney from a living donor usually works immediately because the kidney is out of the body for a short time. This is not always the case for deceased donor kidneys.

#3 A donor’s blood type and compatibility don’t matter. Kidney exchange programs are available to help match incompatible pairs.

Finding a Living Kidney Donor

Start a Conversation

Many people are not comfortable asking someone to donate a kidney. You may find it easier to share how you’ve been doing. Say that you need a kidney transplant, and that your doctors have said a living donor kidney is the best option for you. If someone is interested in getting evaluated for living donation, or wants to learn more, you can point them to a trustworthy source, like National Kidney Foundation or your transplant center.

Seek Out a Champion

You don’t have to do this alone. Family and friends who may not be able to donate themselves are often the best champions for transplant candidates seeking a living donor. Sharing your story is an easy way for loved ones to support you. The more people that know you are in need, the more likely it is that someone will come forward to be your living donor.
A good place to start the conversation is with family and friends. As you feel comfortable, you can share with a wider audience. You may want to include:

  • Co-workers, community organizations, and social groups
  • People who belong to your place of worship
  • Local newspapers or magazines
  • Social media to share your story

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Many people are unaware that one healthy kidney is enough to live a healthy life. You can direct them to trustworthy websites, like the National Kidney Foundation and your transplant center, for unbiased information and next steps.
  • Only a transplant center can determine if somebody is able to donate a kidney. Interested living donors go through many tests to be sure they are physically and emotionally ready to donate an organ. The process is similar to your evaluation as a transplant candidate. There is no limit on the number of potential living donors who can be evaluated on your behalf; however, each transplant center is different on how many potential living donors can be in process at the same time.

Considering Living Donation?

One healthy kidney is enough to live a normal life. The process is very similar to what transplant recipients go through. There is an intake with your chosen transplant center, evaluation or testing to be sure you are healthy enough to become a donor, and surgery to remove your donated kidney. After your surgery, you will have a recovery period and may have periodic follow-up appointments.

Only a transplant center can determine if you are eligible to become a living organ donor and you can exit the process at any time. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Patient and Donor Stories

Mike’s Calling

If you went back in time and told Mike Crowley that he would celebrate his 60th birthday by giving his kidney to a stranger, he might have asked “Why?” After a few years as CEO of National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, he started to ask “Why Not?” The more Mike learned about the process and the more people he met in our NKFW community, the less intimidating living donation seemed.

In August 2024, Mike started the evaluation process and in January 2025 he successfully became an altruistic living kidney donor. Along the way, he kept a video diary to share his story.

On a Mission for Sarah’s Pops

Sarah was getting desperate to find a living kidney donor for her father. As she vented to Michelle on a long drive, Michelle felt a calling neither friend expected. Michelle knew that she would be Dick’s kidney donor. More than a decade later, Michelle and Dick are both thriving.

Cindi’s Story of Hope

Cindi is a fighter. After complications from kidney stones left her kidneys permanently damaged, she spent years battling kidney failure. After her body began to reject dialysis, Cindi was losing hope and knew that a kidney transplant was her only option. A near stranger stepped forward to be her kidney donor, and in November 2022 Cindi’s kidney transplant was successful.

Additional Resources

External Links