Question 1

If I start the donation process by clicking the link on your site, do I have to donate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! You can change your mind at any time, for any reason. Donation is a deeply personal choice, and I will be incredibly grateful just knowing you considered helping me. No pressure, and no hard feelings—your kindness means so much.

Question 2

Will Anthony know if I apply to be a donor? Can I remain anonymous?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can remain completely anonymous if you choose. When you click the “Donate” link, you’ll be directed to my transplant clinic’s website or contact information. The team handling your evaluation and donation is entirely separate from my care team to protect your privacy. Your identity will only be shared with me if you decide to reach out to me directly.

Question 3

Conversely, can I meet Anthony before or after I donate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I’d be happy to connect with you however you feel comfortable—whether that’s meeting in person, chatting by email, texting, or even FaceTime. I will always respect your choice, whether you prefer to stay anonymous or get to know me.

Question 4

What does it cost me to donate my kidney?

Accepted Answer

In the United States, all medical expenses related to kidney donation are covered by the recipient’s (my) health insurance. This includes preoperative testing, the surgical procedure, and post-operative recovery. Some even call the evaluation process the world’s most comprehensive head-to-toe medical exam—completely free!

The only potential costs to you are related to travel, lodging for appointments, and lost wages during recovery. To help with these expenses, we are prepared to provide a lump sum gift to reimburse some of these costs on the day of the transplant.

Question 5

What if I turn out not to be a match for Anthony?

Accepted Answer

No problem! Even if you are not a direct match for me, there are still powerful ways you can help:
Paired Kidney Donation (Swap):

If you are not a match for me, the transplant center can pair us with another donor-recipient pair in the same situation. You would donate your kidney to someone you are compatible with, and in exchange, their donor provides a kidney to me.

Voucher Program:

If you donate your kidney to someone else who needs it and is a match for you, you can do so in my name. By doing this, you provide me with a “voucher” for a living donor kidney from someone compatible with me. This program helps me get a kidney sooner even if we aren’t directly compatible.

Both of these options increase my chances of receiving a transplant and help others in need as well.

Question 6

Why would someone take the risk of donating a kidney?

Accepted Answer

Deciding to donate a kidney is a deeply personal and selfless choice. While every surgery carries some risk, living kidney donation is considered a very safe procedure, with thorough evaluations to ensure donors are healthy enough to donate. Most donors go on to live long, healthy lives with just one kidney.

People choose to take this risk because the potential reward is life-changing for someone else. By donating a kidney, you could not only save my life but also restore my ability to live fully—to work, travel, and spend time with my family and friends again.

It’s a profound act of kindness and generosity that offers hope, healing, and a future that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I understand that donation isn’t for everyone, but I’m endlessly grateful to anyone who even considers it. Your compassion, whether you choose to donate or not, means so much to me.

Question 7

Is it safe to live with only one kidney if I donate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, people can live healthy, active lives with just one kidney. Many people are born with only one kidney or lose one to injury or illness and still live completely normal lives. When someone donates a kidney, their remaining kidney adapts to do the work of both. Data show the risk of developing kidney failure after donation is less than 1%.

Before donation, you’ll undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you’re healthy enough to donate. Studies have shown that kidney donors generally have the same life expectancy and quality of life as people with two kidneys.
After donation, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups, but most donors experience no long-term health issues related to their donation.

Question 8

What happens if my remaining kidney has problems years after donating?

Accepted Answer

While it’s natural to worry about your long-term health, studies show that living kidney donors are not at a higher risk of developing kidney disease than the general population. Before you donate, doctors perform a comprehensive evaluation to ensure your kidneys are healthy and that you’re at low risk for future kidney problems.
If your remaining kidney were to experience issues in the future, you would receive priority status on the transplant list as a previous living donor. This means you would move higher up on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, providing additional protection and peace of mind.
Most donors go on to live long, healthy lives with one kidney. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and staying active can help ensure you stay healthy after donation.

Question 9

What is the surgery and recovery like?

Accepted Answer

Kidney donation surgery is typically done through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which involves small incisions and generally results in a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery. The procedure takes about 2-3 hours, and you will be under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain.

Most donors stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights for monitoring and are discharged soon after. Recovery times can vary, but most donors feel well enough to return to desk jobs or non-strenuous work within 2-4 weeks. For jobs involving heavy lifting or physical labor, it may take 4-6 weeks before you can safely return.

During recovery, it’s normal to feel some pain, fatigue, or discomfort around the surgical site, but these symptoms gradually improve. Your medical team will provide detailed instructions for recovery and follow-up care to ensure you heal properly.

After healing, most donors return to their regular activities and live healthy, active lives.

Question 10

What happens if my kidney is rejected by your body after the transplant? Was my donation for nothing?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Even if a transplanted kidney is rejected, your donation still provides invaluable hope and another chance at life. Medical teams use powerful medications and monitoring to reduce the risk of rejection, and most transplants are successful.

However, if rejection does occur, it doesn’t mean the kidney was wasted. Rejection can be temporary and sometimes reversible with treatment. Even in cases where the kidney stops working, the effort and generosity of your donation are never in vain.

Additionally, being willing to donate helps advance medical knowledge and may inspire others to become donors. Your selfless act is always meaningful, regardless of the outcome.

Question 11

Am I eligible to be a kidney donor?

Accepted Answer

Potential donors must be at least 18 years old and generally in good physical and mental health. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health issues may prevent you from donating, but eligibility is determined through a thorough medical evaluation by the transplant team. If you're interested in donating, starting the evaluation process is the best way to find out if you’re eligible.

Question 12

What are the risks of donating a kidney?

Accepted Answer

Like any surgery, kidney donation carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, or reactions to anesthesia. However, complications are rare, and most donors recover fully. Your medical team will carefully evaluate your health to minimize risk and will discuss all potential risks with you before you decide to donate.

Question 13

Will donating a kidney affect my ability to have children?

Accepted Answer

Most people who donate a kidney can go on to have healthy pregnancies and children. Studies have shown that kidney donation does not significantly affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes. However, it’s important to discuss your plans with the transplant team, especially if you’re considering becoming pregnant in the near future.

Question 14

Will donating a kidney shorten my life expectancy?

Accepted Answer

No, studies have shown that living kidney donors have the same life expectancy as people who haven’t donated. In fact, donors tend to be healthier than the general population because of the rigorous screening process before donation.

Question 15

Can I drink alcohol or take medications with only one kidney?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can still drink alcohol and take most medications after donating a kidney. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and have regular check-ups to ensure your remaining kidney stays healthy.

Question 16

Why is a kidney transplant from a living donor better?

Accepted Answer

There are several benefits of living donation (as opposed to receiving a transplant from a recently deceased person):

A kidney from a living donor can last 2x longer!
The recipient (me) would have to wait much less time for a transplant (months) compared to years waiting for a deceased donor. This is more time on dialysis with the associated complications of dialysis. 
The surgery is scheduled when it works best for the donor and recipient, and the recovery can be faster
The recipient receives a great kidney that is well-matched and often starts working immediately

Frequently asked questions