Living Kidney Donation, Simply Explained
Living kidney donation means a healthy person chooses to donate one kidney to someone who needs a transplant. Most people are born with two kidneys, but many can live a healthy, full life with one.
This page is here to answer the basic questions—not to pressure you. Learning more is simply the first step.
Could I Be a Living Kidney Donor?
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You don't have to be related.
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Many donors are between 18 and 65.
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Most donors return to normal activities.
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Your medical costs are covered.
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Testing is confidential.
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Learning more doesn't commit you.
Only the transplant team can determine whether donation is right for you.
Not type O? You may still be able to help. Through paired kidney exchange,
a donor who is not a direct match may still help Allison receive a compatible kidney.
What If I'm Not a Match?
Many people assume they can only help if they are a direct match for Allison. Fortunately, that's not always the case.
Allison needs a Type O (Rh +/-) kidney for a direct donation.
But if you are not Type O, you may still be able to help save her life.
Through a paired kidney exchange program, someone who is not a direct match may still be able to donate a kidney to another recipient.
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In return, Allison could receive a compatible kidney from another generous donor. It's a remarkable program that has helped thousands of people receive
life-saving transplants.
Your Health Comes First
The transplant team will only approve living donation if they believe it is safe for you. Your health and long-term well-being always come first.
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Comprehensive medical testing.
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Independent donor advocate.
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Your information remains confidential.
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You may stop the process at any time.
If donation isn't safe for you, you won't be approved to donate.
Are Living Donors Financially Protected?
Many people quietly worry about the financial side of living donation, including travel, lodging, lost wages, childcare, or medical bills. Those are important questions to ask.
Allison’s medical insurance covers nearly all or most of the donor's associated costs. Many transplant programs participate in donor protection and financial assistance programs that may help cover eligible donation-related expenses. The transplant team can explain what protections and resources may be available in your situation.
Asking about financial protections does not commit you to donating.
The Living Donation Process
Learn More
Talk with the transplant team and ask any questions you may have.
Medical Evaluation
Complete confidential testing to determine whether donation is safe for you.
Donation
If you're approved and choose to continue, surgery is carefully planned by the transplant team.
Recovery
Most donors return to their normal routines after recovering, with continued follow-up from the transplant team.
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Throughout the process, experienced transplant professionals guide your care—but every decision remains yours.
Common Myths About Living Donation
Myth: You need to be related to donate.
Fact: Many living donors are friends, spouses, coworkers, neighbors, or even compassionate strangers.
Myth: Donating a kidney means I won't be healthy again.
Fact: Most donors go on to live healthy, active lives with one kidney after recovery.
Only the transplant team can determine whether living donation is right for you.
Myth: I'll have to pay for the medical testing or surgery.
Fact: The recipient's insurance typically covers the donor's medical evaluation, surgery, and hospital care.
Myth: Once I begin the process, I have to donate.
Fact: You may stop the evaluation process at any time. There is never any obligation to donate.
Learn From Someone Who Said "Yes"
One of the best ways to understand living kidney donation is to hear directly from someone who chose to become a living donor.
This inspiring TEDx Talk shares one donor's personal experience, what they learned along the way, and
why they would make the same decision again.
Still Have Questions?
You don't need to decide today. If you're simply curious, the transplant team is happy to answer your questions privately and confidentially.
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Please Note
To be considered as Allison's living kidney donor, all donor
evaluations and donations must be completed through
the UF Health Living Donor Program.
Learning more never obligates you to become a donor.