The truth about kidney donation
Our donor alumni have volunteered to share their unfiltered experiences with you to provide a realistic picture of what donation is like before, during, and after the procedure.
Why did you decide to donate?
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
Jose, 33
Donated anonymously in 2013
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Martha
Donated to a local in need on 2018
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
Jay, 55
Donated to a friend in 2019
How did you tell others about your decision to donate?
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
Jay, 55
Donated to a friend in 2019
Martha
Donated to a local in need on 2018
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
What was the surgery like?
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
Martha
Donated to a local in need on 2018
What advice would you give to someone considering donation?
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
Jay, 55
Donated to a friend in 2019
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Jose, 33
Donated anonymously in 2013
What was the recovery like? How much help did you need?
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
What is it like to live with one kidney?
Jose, 33
Donated anonymously in 2013
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
Would you donate again?
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
Martha
Donated to a local in need on 2018
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Jose, 33
Donated anonymously in 2013
What was the best part about donating?
Jay, 55
Donated to a friend in 2019
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
Jose, 33
Donated anonymously in 2013
Martha
Donated to a local in need on 2018
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
What was the worst or scariest part about donating?
Jose, 33
Donated anonymously in 2013
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
Jay, 55
Donated to a friend in 2019
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
Did you have any out of pocket costs?
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
Martha
Donated to a local in need on 2018
Jay, 55
Donated to a friend in 2019
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
How long did it take to donate your kidney?
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
What does your scar look like?
Lara, 52
Donated to a friend in 2019
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Did you ever feel pressured to donate?
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
How did you tell your work about your plans to donate?
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
How do people react when they find out you are a donor?
Jon, 40
Donated anonymously in 2017
What is your relationship with your recipient?
Erin, 47
Donated anonymously in 2013
What if your loved one needs a kidney in the future?
Jay, 55
Donated to a friend in 2019
Donor Alumni experiences and opinions are provided for your consideration only. Your experience may be different and you should speak to your doctor about your decision to donate.
