Ask the Doctor
Questions about kidney disease? Risk factors? Signs and symptoms? Are you concerned about yourself, a friend or family member? Ask Dr. Spry.
Living Donation
If you're a living donor or undergoing evaluation as a potential donor, the process can be overwhelming. You probably have many questions and concerns - not just about the potential risks and outcomes for you, but the recipient's health, as well. It's not always easy to find the support or information you need. Here you will find support from other donors and potential donors and learn about living donation. You can also reach us by email at nkfcares@kidney.org.
Thinking about donating to a specific person?
(Family member, friend, acquaintance, co-worker, etc) Click here for information
Thinking about donating to anyone who needs it?
(Anonymous or non-directed donation) Click here for information
Looking for a living donor?
Questions about living donation?
Please review our Q & A for detailed information
Helpful Tips for Living Donors and Caretakers
Suggestions from other living donors to make the donation experience easier.
Incompatible Blood Types Information
Information for those who don't have a compatible blood type with their intended recipient.
Recommended Guidelines for the Care of Living Donors
Is Donation Safe?
Our resident nephrologist, Dr. Leslie Spry, discusses living donation.
Additional Resources
The Living Bank
The oldest donor education organization in the United States.
National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC)
703.414.1600
NLDAC@livingdonorassistance.org
If you or someone you know is considering becoming a living organ donor (kidney, lung, liver) the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) may be able to pay for up to $6,000 of the living donor's (and his or her companion's) travel and lodging expenses. The transplant center where the recipient is waiting will apply on the living donor's behalf. Visit the NLDAC web site for more details about general eligibility requirements and how the program works.
The National Marrow Donor Program
The National Marrow Donor Program aims to establish, maintain and improve a system that provides bone marrow transplants from volunteer unrelated donors for patients with leukemia and other life threatening blood diseases.
NKF's Council of Professional Living Donor Advocates (CPLDA) exists to protect the rights and promote the best interests of living donors and potential donors by characterizing the roles, responsibilities, qualifications and training needs of the profession of Living Donor Advocate (LDA) and serving as the voice for LDAs.
Living Donor Pin
A split pin- half is worn by the living donor, and half by the recipient.
Transplant Living
The United Network for Organ Sharing's (UNOS) patient-centered Transplant Living site offers an easy-to-navigate collection of information and resources that help transplant patients, their families and potential living donors to make the best possible decisions about their treatment and future health.
The NKF created the Living Donor Council to advocate on behalf of living donors and potential donors. Click here to learn more about the Living Donor Council.
Join our LIVE DONOR Email Discussion Group to ask for support and hear about others' experiences