Support the Living Donor Protection Act

5,537 living kidney donations were made in 2014 out of 17,107 total kidney transplants in the United States. That is a miraculous number, but sadly is it only 17% of the number of life-saving kidney transplants needed. The number of patients waiting for a kidney is a staggering 100,791, with another patient added to that list every 14 minutes. You might not be able to donate a kidney, but we hope that you will consider donating your car to Kidney Cars and join them in support of the Living Donor Protection Act that is before congress right now.

What is the Living Donor Protection Act?

The Living Donor Protection Act (H.R. 4616) is a bill put forth in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, which would expand the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to include living organ donors. This would ensure that those willing to save someone’s life by donating living tissue, like kidney or liver, are covered by insurance and guaranteed that they will retain their employment after their recovery period is over.

Why is This Act Important?

Organ donation is a miracle of modern medicine. The first successful organ transplant was performed in 1954 and the science and practice of this life-saving technique has improved every year since. Sadly, many people still die while waiting for a matching organ to become available. Organs can be harvested through the generosity of organ donors and their families upon their death, but only 3 out of every 1000 willing donors die in a way that allows their organs to be harvested and used to help other people.

There are currently 121,678 patients waiting for a transplant. Of that number, 100,791 of them are waiting for a kidney. Because of the live donor option for kidney donation, the patients on this list could be given a second chance at life. Unfortunately, even though organ donation is a procedure that improves the lives and hopes of so many, it is not often covered by insurance. The Living Donor Protection Act would guarantee that donors are not penalized for their generosity and willingness to help heal others,

How Can I Help?

By donating your used vehicle to Kidney Cars, you will be helping to support the National Kidney Foundation in their efforts to move this legislation forward. You can also call your state representatives and voice your support for the Living Donor Protection Act. Urge them to throw their support behind this bill. Explain to them the tremendous benefit living donation is to individuals as well as to our society in general. Together, our voices can be heard.