How can you help?
Donating a kidney to someone in need, like myself, is one of the most selfless and impactful acts a person can perform. It gives me a chance to live a healthier, longer life, free from the exhausting routine of dialysis. While the idea of donating an organ may seem overwhelming, advancements in medical science and comprehensive donor support programs make the process safer and more accessible for those willing to help.
If you’re considering donating a kidney to me, the first step is to fill out this form. They will guide you through the process step-by-step. You will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you are healthy and capable of safely donating a kidney. This includes blood tests, imaging tests, and a detailed assessment of your overall physical and mental health. It’s crucial that you are in good health and have no conditions that could impact your well-being or the success of the transplant. The evaluation is comprehensive, with your safety as the top priority.
It’s important to know that you don’t need to be a perfect match for me. Thanks to innovative programs like kidney paired donation (KPD), even if you and I aren’t a direct match, your kidney could still help me. In a paired exchange, if you have a compatible recipient, your donation can facilitate a match that ultimately leads to both of us receiving the kidneys we need. This approach increases the chances of finding suitable matches and significantly reduces waiting times for recipients like me.
Once you are approved as a donor, the surgery is typically minimally invasive and performed using laparoscopic techniques. You would likely spend a few days in the hospital and be encouraged to take it easy for several weeks to allow for a full recovery. The human body is incredibly resilient, and most donors find that their remaining kidney can fully support their health, allowing them to return to their regular activities relatively quickly. Additionally, donor programs and hospitals provide extensive follow-up care to monitor your recovery and long-term health.
Most importantly, your decision to donate a kidney to me could change my life—it would save it. A transplant would restore my health, allowing me to spend precious time with my family and regain my quality of life. The knowledge that your generosity has given me a second chance at life would be an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience for both of us. If you are considering donating a kidney, I encourage you to reach out to a transplant center or learn more about organ donation programs. Your willingness to help could make an extraordinary difference in my life.
Donation Stories
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"I took a lot of classes about how to think about morality and how to see your obligations to other people," explains Dylan. "In class, I kept coming back again to the concept that if you have the opportunity to help someone at a low cost for yourself, you should go for it."
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I think some might think I was self-less or brave but really, I was just able to see that I had something I could share to help someone else. People enjoy giving of themselves to help others in all kinds of ways. It turns out I was fortunate enough to be able to give away a kidney. It was a very joyful gift to give and I am so thankful I was able to do it. Thank you to the Penn Transplant Institute for helping make that happen. Now I can continue our work with the 1 Kidney Club educating others and increasing awareness of living donation.
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I’ve always had the box checked on my driver’s license to indicate I’m an organ donor. However, it wasn’t until the fall of 2021 that I realized there was an additional kind of organ donation available: being a living organ donor.