May 14, 2025
Robin Kahn knows firsthand how kidney disease can impact a family—and how organ donation can change lives. Robin’s mother, Toby, received a kidney and pancreas from a deceased donor. Later, both Robin and her father donated a kidney to her. All three of these selfless gifts gave Toby an additional three decades of life.
Now Robin is channeling that gift into a mission: to help pass laws that protect and support all living donors.
A History of Kidney Disease and Organ Transplants
Toby was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in 1957. Diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney disease or kidney failure. Toby experienced kidney failure.
In 1989, Toby received a kidney and pancreas transplant from a deceased donor. The transplant extended her life, but like many organ recipients, she eventually needed another transplant.
When that time came, Robin’s father, Stephen Kahn, stepped in. In 2002, he donated one of his kidneys to Toby. His nephrectomy and recovery went smoothly, and his act of love gave her more time with her family.
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A Daughter Becomes a Living Kidney Donor
But kidney disease is relentless. In 2012, Toby’s second kidney began to fail. Robin remembered her father’s successful donation and got tested. She was thrilled to learn she was a match and didn’t hesitate to move forward.
“I didn’t hesitate. I was encouraged not only by the fact that I was an excellent match, but also by how healthy my father remained—at age 71, his kidney function and overall health were excellent,” Robin said.
Robin donated her kidney to her mother that same year.
Living Kidney Donors Deserve Protection
Robin shares her story not just to inspire, but to advocate.
“My family’s story is a reminder of the importance of supporting and protecting those who provide the gift of life,” said Robin. “Living kidney donors should not face financial or insurance discrimination because of their generosity.”
Robin shared her testimony with the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Financial Services in support of legislation H1248, which would protect living donors from discrimination in life, disability, and long-term care insurance.
“Organ donation should be cost-neutral. Living donors shouldn’t bear unnecessary burdens. H1248 would help ensure that. It prohibits discrimination against living donors in life, disability, and long-term care insurance, and by doing so, it encourages more people to consider becoming donors. It offers peace of mind to those who choose to give.”
A similar bill proposed at the federal level would protect donors nationwide. Tell your Members of Congress to support the Living Donor Protection Act at the federal level.
Living donors step forward with generosity and hope to save lives. Let’s make sure our laws reflect that same spirit.
