Become a Hero

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A Kidney Hero could be you
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Becoming a hero doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes, it looks like an ordinary person making an extraordinary choice — a choice that gives someone else the chance to live.

For me, that hero was my Aunt Theresa. In 2003, she stepped forward, got tested, and discovered we were a match. She didn’t wear a cape or make a speech. She simply said “yes” — and that yes gave me more than 21 years of life, love, work, marriage, and memories I would have never had without her.

Now, I’m hoping for another hero.

A living kidney donor is someone healthy, compassionate, and willing to explore whether they could be a match. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to know everything right now. You just have to be open to learning.

Most donors go on to live completely normal, healthy lives with one kidney. The evaluation process is confidential, thorough, and designed to protect the donor’s health above everything else. You can stop at any time.

If you feel even the smallest tug on your heart, that’s all it takes to begin.

LIVING DONATION: FACTS, FAQs & MYTHS

Key Statistics About Living Kidney Donation

  • Over 6,000 living kidney donations occur each year in the U.S. (Source: Donate Life America — Transplant Statistics )
  • One healthy kidney can fully sustain a normal life. (Source: Donate Life America — Living Donation Overview (donatelife.net in Bing) )
  • 98–99% of living donors say they would donate again. (Source: National Kidney Registry — Living Donor Outcomes )
  • Living donor kidneys last longer — often 15–25 years. (Source: Donate Life America — Kidney Transplant Facts )
  • Donors pay nothing for testing, surgery, or hospital care. (Source: National Kidney Registry — Donor Support & Coverage )
  • Most donors return to work within 2–6 weeks. (Source: National Kidney Registry — Donor Recovery Expectations )
  • Living kidney donors live as long — or longer — than the general population. (Source: American Journal of Kidney Diseases — Living Donor Health Outcomes )
  • 86% of people on the transplant waiting list need a kidney. (Source: Donate Life America — National Data )
  • The average wait time for a deceased‑donor kidney is 3–5 years. (Source: Donate Life America — Kidney Transplant Facts )

If these numbers spark even a little curiosity… 👉 See if you’re a match

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It means you are healthy enough to donate one kidney to someone who needs one. Most people live completely normal lives with one kidney.

No. The recipient’s insurance covers the evaluation, surgery, and hospital stay. Assistance programs can help with travel, lodging, and lost wages if needed.

Most donors return to normal activities in 2–6 weeks, depending on their job and lifestyle.

Yes. Many donors go on to have healthy pregnancies and families.

No. Donors live as long — or longer — than the general population because they are screened so thoroughly.

Yes. At any point. The process is confidential, and you can stop at any time without pressure.

No. If you’re not a match, you can still help through a paired exchange, where your donation helps create a chain that leads to me receiving a kidney.

If any of these answers give you peace or clarity… 👉 Take the first step

COMMON MYTHS — AND THE TRUTH

Truth: One healthy kidney can do the work of two.

Truth: Donors are screened more thoroughly than almost anyone. Long‑term outcomes are excellent.

Truth: The recipient’s insurance covers the evaluation, surgery, and hospital stay.

Truth: Most donors return to normal life in a few weeks.

Truth: Paired donation programs allow ANY healthy donor to help.

Truth: Health matters more than age.

Truth: Kidney donation is one of the safest major surgeries performed today.

If learning the truth eases even one worry… 👉 See if you’re a match

A Final Word

You don’t have to decide today.

You don’t have to be sure.

You don’t have to be perfect.

You just have to be willing to learn more.

If you feel even a small tug on your heart, I invite you to take the next step. 👉 Start Donor Screening