We are asking you to consider registering to be a Kidney Donor

Because a person can live with only one kidney,  living donation offers another choice for some transplant candidates. The average waiting time for a donor kidney from a deceased donor is 3 to 5 years. A kidney from a living donor offers patients an alternative to years of dialysis and time on the national transplant waiting list. With living donation, a patient may be able to receive a transplant in 1 year or less. After donation, the living organ donor’s remaining kidney will enlarge, doing the work of 2 healthy kidneys. 

Who can be a living donor?  

Family members are often the most likely to be compatible living kidney donors, but many people undergo successful transplants with kidneys donated from people who are not related to them. Living donors will have a full medical exam, must be at least 18 years old, and in good physical and mental health. Different transplant centers have different limits on who can donate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can you help and what is the first step to help save someones life?

Go online and sign up today to have a quick and easy blood test at https://www.utswlivingdonor.org  and you will see the section that says: Living Kidney Donor CLICK HERE  which will take you to a short questionnaire form to complete. 

What is the testing process?

Once you complete the online questionnaire form, if you qualify you will be called for a simple blood test to confirm that you are a match. If you still choose to move forward, you will have a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you fully understand the process and look out for YOUR best interests.

What is the cost for the donor?

In most cases, the recipients insurance will cover the cost of the testing and the surgery. The majority of donors will not incur any expenses.  Each case is different.

What is the process and recovery for the donor?

You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long normal life.  Donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning very tiny and made on the donor’s side; in some cases, they are able to reuse an old surgical incision so the donor doesn’t have another scar. The recuperation period is usually fairly quick, the majority of living kidney donors stay in the hospital for only 24 hours after the surgery and can then go home. Most are off pain medication within a week.